Preterm labor

I've had braxton hicks since 25 weeks. I'm 35 weeks 3 days and have been having more intense cramping for about a week. It feels like me steal cramps in my abdomen, back and upper legs. It has woken me up and I have to actually breath through it. I kinda thought it was normal and didn't see a pattern but at my midwife appointment they said I need to call right away and get checked if this happens again. Anyone have early labor or recognize this as possibly leading to real labor? It's happening 1-2 times per night and maybe 2 times per day for about a week.