Baby on the way! Contractions or labor?

Jessica • I am married to a wonderful man and I have 3 wonderful kids. 2 girls and 1 boy.
I have been dilated at 1 cm for 2 weeks now, I'm 38 weeks. I've been having some light contractions and the dr said my cervics is nice and soft. I go back to the dr on Monday but I've been trying to throw myself into labor. My job consists of a bunch of bending, lifting, stretching, walking, up and down stairs, pushing, pulling, etc. For about 2 weeks now I have had lower back pain and pelvic pain so bad that it has had me in tears and bent over. My hands have been swelling for about a week now and I can't get them to stop. It's my 3rd kid but first boy so this pregnancy is different than my other 2. So when my back and pelvic area start hurting does that mean it's contractions or labor? With it being my 3rd will I have him before his due date or right on time? I really haven't gained or lost any weight, it's been about the same for 2 weeks now.