FTM advice needed! xx

Ok so I'm a FTM I'm 37weeks+6 today. Last night I started to get muscle tightening on my belly and over night into this morning they've turned into period like cramps in my belly and legs. Does this sound like the start of real contractions or just more intense braxton hicks? I haven't noticed loosing my "plug" but apparently not all women do? I'm from England so we don't have our cervix checked at midwife appointments so I don't even know if I'm dialated at all? Hope this makes sense xxxx