Contractions??

Rose
Hi ladies,
FTM wondering about contractions I know everyone tends to compare contractions to period cramps but my question is 
Since Saturday I have had the dull ache of period starting(fun) but started last night I felt like I was wearing one of those abdomin muscle tightening belt. As these was happening for a minute the pressure down stairs was increasing to where I couldn't sit. Managed to get some sleep but the dull ache is getting more intense. 
Is this my body getting ready? Is this just bad Braxton's?