35 & contractions?

I have a two year old, but had to get an epidural before labor began due to an allergic reaction, so I never felt contractions. I'm pretty sure I'm having them now. Stomach get hard and I am having these really painful cramps that are like a consistent pain, but every once in a while it gets worse and then backs back to the consistent pain level. I called my doctor and took Tylenol and have been drinking water, but I just don't know if this is what they are? The bad waves make my eyes tear up and it's definitely impossible to ignore. I don't think it's real labor yet, but it's definitely something I've never experienced before. I'm 35 weeks today.