painful period cramps

with my first I was induced with the highest pitocin and while I was hooked up to the monitors, the only contractions I ever had were like period cramps. . I see people say those are Braxton hicks and others say those are contractions. I'm pregnant with my second and experience painful period like cramps just like when I was put into labor, some even worse then those I had with my first. I plan on asking my new Dr tomorrow since the dr with my first wasn't helpful, but what's everyone's thoughts? I say they're contractions because that's all I know.