One sided contractions?

Kate • deaf nurse with a bad attitude. momma of two, wife of almost 7 years to the love of my life.
Hey y'all! So I'm 39w3d, and this pregnancy I have only had contractions on one side. With my first I didn't experience anything like this, but the contractions are equally as intense.
I have been told two totally different things by two different doctors. My regular doctor said they still count as contractions, so time them and be alert. The one I saw this week because my regular is out of town, said that they don't count at all. Anyone else experience this? :( What did your doctor say?
Also, the doctor I saw this week said she couldn't find my cervix at all.... At my appointment a few weeks ago my doctor said that I was at least 2cm and fully effaced, my cervix was just really posterior. Any advice bringing it forward?