I need your help!

I am 37.5 weeks pregnant, this is my 2nd pregnancy but I only went to 21 weeks last time. Yesterday, I had a contraction at 8:30 in the morning and nothing else. Had a busy day at work then went to dinner, at dinner I had about 3-4 contractions. When we got home they kicked in every 15 minuteswith extreme lower back pain from 9-12:30. I got in the shower and after that they went away but still some back pain. Is that normal for them just to go away like that? They were painful but do you think they were "real"? I don't know what to think!

I was having contractions Sunday night and Monday during the day for a couple hours. And nothing since then  

Early labour can stop and start a lot, just try to relax, as stressing out can make them keep stopping and starting.

Yup, it can start and stop, and start and stop... Mine last 5 days x_x It would get to less than 7 minutes apart and last for hours, then stop and start again a few hours later...
Just try not to get frustrated and get all the sleep you can! I mostly ignored that advice and tried to go about my daily stuff and when the time finally came that they didn't stop, I ended up almost not having the energy to do it myself!

it sounds like you were having some BH (which at this point can be EXTREMELY painful) since they went away with taking a shower. Rest assured, though, that your body is getting ready. It's common to have painful BH for a few weeks before actual labor starts, but it's all part of early labor and is an extremely good sign that things are happening. GL!

Drink lots of water if your dehydrated they speed up also walk alot if you can. Walk and walk and walk! Good luck. Oh and yes it's very common to for them to start and stop! Thats why so many people go into false labor!

Thanks for all the info ladies! It really helped!