12 more days-Period cramps?

Brittanie • Ariel Diana Nichole was born 9/7/16😊 Pregnant with my 2nd 💕
I'm 38 weeks and 2 days, and have 12 days left until my due date. I was checked last Tuesday, head down but no dilation at the time.
Woke up this morning with period cramps in my lower abdomen where I would be cramping (if there wasn't a baby there). It's been going non-stop for about 6 hours now, no letting off but the cramps haven't gotten worse. Just constant. It's making the right side of my back, hip bone, and the top of my right leg mildly ache. 
I don't know for sure if I've lost my mucus plug, if I have it's been in pieces and not noticeable. 
Any advice or ideas as to what this could be ladies? My friend Cheryl told me she felt this way the week her son was born and he was 7 days early.