False or Early labor?

Good evening ladies! I was curious to know if it’s possible to be in early labor even though my water hasn’t broke and I haven’t lost my mucus plug? I’ve been having pretty intense contractions since 4am today, it’s now 9:41pm and I am still having them. They were consistent this morning, then became inconsistent and picked up again around 2pm and have been somewhat consistent since. Right now, the contractions have been 10 minutes apart since 7pm lasting 60 seconds to 1 minute and 15 seconds. They hurt so bad. My doula thinks I’m in practice labor and my baby/body is preparing me. I feel a little discouraged bc this pain is intense to only be practice.... Anyone else experience this?!