Sounds like actual contractions. Did you time the frequency?
I'm at Week 38 + 5, and I'm getting both Braxton Hicks and actual contractions through the day.
For me, the contractions feels like menses cramp with my tummy tightening up, and they don't go away when I lie down on my side.
My gynae told me to head down when the contractions happen at 5 min intervals within an hour. But mine is like more than 25 min now, so I'm still waiting at home.
If you're really not sure, call up the hospital? Or just head down and get them to check for you?
NABAR