false labor??

Okay Mommas I need some advice! On Monday I went to the doctor and was 4cm and 80% effaced. She said I was pretty much ready to go into labor any day (but I know it's really unpredictable so I'm not taking that to heart) yesterday I lost my mucus plug and was having some contractions throughout the day and then today I woke up with really bad contractions and just had that feeling that today was the day. I'm only 38 weeks and a FTM so I'm afraid that I'm just over thinking things but I really feel like I am going to go into labor. My contractions aren't as strong as they were this morning, but I've had a pretty constant cramping from my rib cage down and into my butt and pelvis. The pain is mainly in my back. I don't want to go to the hospital and have them send me right home and my mom is about to leave work and drive 4 hours just to be here but I don't want her to come down and nothing end up happening. I am scared because I am currently alone (hubby works 2nd shift and won't be home till 11pm) and as a first time mom don't know what I should be expecting. Do you think I'm over thinking this and I'm just experiencing Braxton hicks or do you think I could be going into labor. I have tried timing contractions, but because the pain is pretty constant it is hard. What do you guys think??