Can everyone share the early labour phase and how it was

I am having mild lower back pain with top of the uterus becoming hard and loose.. My doctor adviced me to see if the pain becomes like menstrual cramps. But I don't feel a thing. Just a persistent back pain which at some points pains a bit or else a mild consistent pain.

So I am a little worried as I have a whole one hour ride to hospital.

Can you all share your experience so that I can take a decision on what to do