I'm 39+4 and I noticed some mild cramping (contractions) when I went to sleep last night. In my dreams I know the cramping continued. Around 3:00 I woke. They have continued for about 30 seconds every 8 min or so. I've tried walking, eating, using the restroom, and drinking and they keep coming. Is this the real deal?

When I had Braxton Hicks in the past doing one of the above usually stopped them.

Update: it has been 24 hours. Contractions have remained at around 7 min. They have grown in intensity but not in active labor yet