possible contractions?!

I keep having stabbing pains really really low, can have up to 4 an hour or so for the past 2 weeks, they are getting more and more frequent and doesn't seem to be stopping. Baby's head has been low since 26 weeks I'm now 32. The pain takes my breathe away and my tummy goes really tight and hard when it happens. Iv been told by my midwife it could be braxton hicks but they aren't supposed to hurt, surely not this much anyway!!! Loads of discharge (sorry too much info) snotty consistency slight yellow tinge. So worried want little one to stay in a bit longer!