contractions?!

I'm a FTM. I am 35 weeks and 2 days. We have been measuring ahead since 20 weeks. I have Gestational Diabetes and take insulin. 3 weeks ago baby was estimated at 5lbs 1oz. I woke up feeling off. I couldn't put my finger on it. I felt very nervous/anxious and couldn't sit still. On top of that I've had no appetite and felt sick all day. I've had 2 contractions (what I think are contractions anyways) today. So there's no regularity. However I live 50 miles so around 45 minutes to an hour away from the hospital. It feels like my whole belly gets rock hard like someone filled me up with a TON of air. And then I get pains down low in my pelvis like cramps. As I said I've only had 2 of these. I'm 99% sure I lost my plug (in several pieces) last week. I've been under an abnormal amount of stress due to our disabled 4 year old niece passing away unexpectedly last Saturday and having to go through her services. I've tried my best to stay calm and relaxed but burying a child you've known and loved for 4 years isn't easy. My question is, do these sound like early contractions? They are certainly stronger and last longer than the Braxton Hicks I've been experiencing. Is there a good method to timing or monitoring these? Thank you in advance for any help or advice! This is all completely new to me so I'm just not sure if what I'm experiencing s normal or not. 😊