Does it usually have to be unbearable when you have consistent labor contractions?

I’m 38w5d today.

I’ve been getting very consistent and strong menstrual like pain, some back pain and pelvic pressure. But not to the point that I’m crying or can’t talk? It’s to the point where I’m just like “Well Damn” and wait it out. They’ve been happening every 5-10min and lasting only 30secs or so for the past hour now. Could this mean I’m close or it’s happening ???