Ways to cope with early labor pain?

I need some major support! I'm 39 weeks today and yesterday started losing mucous plug and having progressive contractions the entire night long. I thought I'd be heading to L&D for sure first thing in the morning but instead the contractions have slowed to a crawl. I am only 1cm dilated at th exam today. However, the contractions I do have are unbearably painful. How do you cope with the pain until you're at the phase with epidural? So far I am just breathing if I can and grimacing but I feel like I could die. Hot water compress on my abdomen doesn't even touch the pain... Thank you!