contractions?

Ca

so the last 2 days I've been having really bad stomach pains, kinda like I ate something wrong and need to poop but when I get up to poo, I can't. Can contractions feels like that? they do come and go but not really consistent.. some hurt really bad and others I can manage, as a matter of fact I was just woken up because the pain was so bad. everyone keeps telling me "you'll know when you're having a contraction" but I'm afraid I won't.. I've already made it to a 11/2 without bad pains just period cramps here and there.. someone help me, please.