Prodromal labor pains

So for the past 24 hours I’ve had contractions, I called my hospital last night and they basically told me not to come in until I couldn’t walk or talk. Which sounded ridiculous. These contractions have been about 5 minutes apart and they’re not increasing to much in intensity or timing, but right now, they’re to the point where I have to sit and focus on breathing and sometimes even wanna cry it’s so bad when this morning, it was bearable but still really annoying.

I don’t want to call and have them tell me the same thing, but I also don’t want to go in until I literally can’t handle it anymore.

I’ve tried googling everything there is to know about prodromal labor and I’ve gotten two different answers.

1. It’ll last 24-72 hours and then actual labor begins

2. It’ll last up until the due date but subside during the day usually

Now, I’m 38 weeks. But these contractions aren’t going away. Not during the day, especially not at night. Not when I walk or drink water or anything.

I guess what I’m curious about is your experience and how long it lasted for you, or how you dealt with the pain, or when I should just go to the hospital.

Or just any advice or anything I should really know about this stage since google is never really helpful when it comes to medical advice.

Thank you