It usually stops completely. With DD1 she was posterior so I had agonising back pain during and between contractions but with DD2 I had a complete pain free break between them, even if it was short! You'll know a real contraction when you have it, even if it means that you've missed the early labour ones, once they become stronger, you'll know they are real. And like everyone has said, they are very regular. Good luck with it all!