Contractions at 37 weeks 6 days

I've been experiencing what I think is early labor for about 24 hours now, constant contractions that are 5 minutes apart and about 30-45 seconds long. They don't want me coming in until they're unbearable or 3 minutes apart, which I'm guessing would go hand in hand. I went for a walk that helped them get stronger, but I don't know what to do really this is my first baby. How long did the first stage last for some of you ladies? My baby is moving just fine so I'm not concerned about that, and L&D isn't either. I don't know what to do but sleep and just hang out til it gets worse