Signs that labor is near??

Meghan
This is my second pregnancy and it has been so different than my first. I didn't feel any pains with my son until I actually went into labor with him. Contractions started in lower back and moved like a wave to my lower abdomen. 
This time around I have BH contractions. Today I was checked by my doc and I was 2 cm dilated which doesn't really mean anything. Last night I had a dull back ache with BH contractions. All day today I have felt menstrual like cramps. I've been having BH contractions but they have become painful, and the dull lower back pain is back. Could this be a sign that labor is near? I have tried resting and drinking water. Neither has helped. My next test is going to be walking and eating a snack.