Hey mamas can ya help me out?

So let me start by saying I’m 37 weeks pregnant tomorrow, and all last night I was having one sided tightening in my stomach. I’m guessing they are Braxton Hicks but I’ve never felt real contractions before. I am a FTM but these took my breath away. I tried to change positions but I would get them how ever I laid. When I woke up this morning I had some consistent period like cramps and backache and I’ve had a few of those one sided tightening of my stomach that doesn’t last more then a min. Does this mean labor is near? Has anybody else been through something similar? Help me out!