Some of you ladies have said that your water didnt break on it's own, so when did you know that you should go in ?

I got checked out at my 38 week (almost 39) appt this morning with my contractions being consistent and I thought that was supposed to be the sure sign of labor but was told to go home and call if anything happens???

What else am I supposed to look out for? At this point do I just sit at my home having contractions all day? Lol

I'm sorry I'm just so confused