contractions

people say contractions are like period cramps, except i've never had period cramps before i don't think.. lol 
But i've had some pains in my tummy, like just above my vag and in my tummy, and like a stick feeling coming up my vag and butt! haha what could that mean? my midwife doesn't know anything and won't answer any of my questions -.- 37weeks today, also some times the feeling can feel like i need to go number 2's but i don't need to if u know what i mean?