I think I'm in early stages of labour!!

Alice
So for the past 3 days I've been having dull cramps in my lower stomach and back, also aches in my groin area. I had my midwife appointment yesterday morning and she thinks I'm in early stages of labour 👌 so I was on my birthing ball all day, I had 2 cups of raspberry left tea and some pineapple juice. My braxton hicks started getting really strong by the afternoon! I had a bath but I still had a constant lower cramps in stomach and back! 
I ended up having sex with my fella last night, and after that.........WOW!!!! the pain became so strong and lots of strong contractions but very irregular! I rang the hospital just for some advice and they told me to take some painkillers! 
I really do hope the midwife is right and it's the start of things happening.......what does every thinks? Is anyone else feeling like this? 
I'm 38+6.
Thanks ladies 💕