Contraction pain?

Need some advice.. I think I'm having contractions but the pain is nothing like I expected so I'm not sure. I was expecting a more severe period like pain/cramping like I've been having with my Braxton hicks. Instead I'm feeling a more sharp, centralized pain only in my lower abdomen every 10 minutes for about 30 seconds. Has anyone else only felt their contractions in their abdomen and nothing in their back? Thanks!