Painful contractions - second pregnancy

Tyesa
I got scared this morning and went to the hospital.. I started having contractions and they got to where I couldn't stand and then I laid down and they were getting worse.. I tried to sit up so I could drink some water and it hurt too bad to sit up.. It lasted about 45 minutes..
I Didn't have contractions like this until I was WELL into labor with my first and it scared me... 
Of course it stopped once we got to the hospital and they made me take the day off of work.. 
 
Anyone else having painful contractions?
Is it normal to have painful contractions with your second and not with your first?