What is this feeling?!

Alysa
First time mom here... They say baby is 35 weeks and measuring a little over 36. I have been feeling more cramps/ contraction like feelings and have had more back discomfort which is sometimes very sudden. I also feel weird "down there". It's almost a feeling like my cervix is opening like when your about to start your period?! Does that just mean that she's in position or could labor actually be starting? I go to the doctor tomorrow for an exam but I'm getting nervous because it's like this all happening so fast!!!