37 weeks, cervix closed

I'll be 37 weeks tomorrow. I had my weekly appointment today. Last night it felt like I was contracting. Stomach got hard, pains in my lower back, and lower abdomen pain, on and off for about 3 hours. Today I've been having the same thing just not as painful. The doctor checked me and said my cervix is closed and he could feel the babies head. Am I not feeling contractions? Can you still contract when your cervix is closed? He didn't really say much expect he thinks this is the most important part of pregnancy, getting ready for labor and then said we'll see you next week but maybe sooner. Not sure what to think right now. Slightly confused!!