Is this labor

Hi all, I need some advice. 18th July at 2am I woke up with a bloody show and soon after regular period like cramping in my back and stomach. It was sore but not agony. Fast forward to today 19th I am having more severe period cramps, getting to the point I can't speak whilst it's here, although they aren't regular yet. Is this the start of labor? I am still bleeding but midwife said it was normal as long as I'm not filling a pad with blood in 30 mins.