Help a pregnant lady out 😂

I'm going to sound so dumb, as this is my second baby lol. With mu first son I had "normal" contractions. I knew I was in labor!! This time however I'm confused... since about 4am this morning I've been having horrible "period" cramping in my lower back. Like I'm about to start the worst period of my life. It comes and goes. I don't feel like I can time anything because its always there or dulls off... my stomach is getting hard off and on... I haven't called my doctor yet because I know they are going to say the same thing they always do lol. Just looking for some advice, I guess. Ive been sitting/bouncing on my birth ball since 7:30am.