Is it normal to start having regular strong contractions (1 hour apart) and then suddenly stop after 6 hours?

Like what Nooraini said, what you are experiencing sounds like prelabor. They occur before first stage labor really kicks in and can start as early as two or three weeks before or could also start a day or two before established labor. Prelabor is preparation time for the body and the baby. Prelabor contractions work toward shortening (effacing) and widening (dilate) the tube-shaped cervix and stretching the bottom of the uterus. The contractions also soften the cervix. Prelabor primes the cervix very well so that once established, labor starts the progress and it can be quite quick. Take care! Stay hydrated and well nourished during this period to help the body build up strength and energy to cope with the upcoming labour. All the best!!

Yes, I experienced this during my first pregnancy. I had 30mins contraction intervals for about few hours and I went into labor ward and strapped onto contraction checking machine and there was no regular contraction and I was sent back to home. My real labor came 1 week after that. Thus, for my 2nd pregnancy, I tried to monitor closely and record the contraction intervals down using mobile apps. You can download 'contraction timer/tracker'. The apps helped me to plot a chart whether my contraction intervals getting closer and regular.

I read a couple of forums and saw that there are other mums who have said the same things so I think it's perfectly normal. It's just your body's way to prepare itself for labour and it's called Prodomal Labour, in layman terms, false labour. It may feel like Braxton Hicks contractions but sometimes they can be much stronger. You can read the article I found here. It sure did help me understand a little bit more. http://thebirthteacher.blogspot.sg/2008/12/prodromal-labor.html?m=1 Good luck with the incoming labour!

Speaking from experience - yup! It happened to me. I seriously thought I was experiencing real labour - but the contractions never went beyond 40 mins apart.

thanks