Contractions feeling like period cramps?

tanktop12

FTM 40+6. I’ve been having Braxton Hicks for weeks but they’ve never been painful. I started having the tightening like Braxton Hicks but now it’s accompanied by a numb-type pain similar to what my period cramps used to feel like. The pain is in my lower stomach, lower back, and hips. Could these be light contractions and possibly the start of labor? Any advice or information helps.