Inconsistent intervals of contractions..real or fake?

Hello! I am experiencing painful and time-able “contractions”. They started with low pain, lasting 40 seconds to a minute and occurring every 2 minutes. I was able to nap through them. When timing them, the intervals are still very inconsistent and don’t have a pattern, but the pain is more than Braxton hicks I’ve experienced. Are these just worse Braxton hicks? Or do you think this could be the start of labor? Haven’t lost my mucus plug yet but at my last visit I was 1cm dilated. Any thoughts are appreciated!