Sharp pain in groin

FTM - How do you tell the difference between lightning crotch and contractions? I’m 38.4 weeks and been having lightening crotch (I think). Ive been feeling sharp and crampy pains in my vagina area randomly. But I’m wondering how do these pains compare to actual contractions? Is it an early sign of labor? How do I tell the difference!

I am worried that this might be the first part of labor but since I don’t know what contractions feel I’m scared I won’t be able to recognize the real thing vs lightening crotch.