Question about contractions.

Hey ladies. I've got a question for you all.
Starting around 1am last night I was getting really intense pains in my stomach, covering my entire abdomen..almost up to my breasts it felt like. That went on for about 2 and a half hours until I finally fell asleep. The pain didn't ease up whether I was laying down in different positions, sitting up, or walking around.
It bothered me a lot earlier today as well..to the point of tears. And then it eased up.

It just started happening again. It is pretty strong. I'm trying to figure out of these pains are actually contractions, but it doesn't really fit all the things I've heard. The pain is almost like it is a constant tightening, with more severe moments. So I don't know if I should even try timing that.

I feel pretty silly because I thought I would remember what they felt like from labor with Jordan. But it felt like poo cramps to me then, and does now..lol.

Any thoughts? I'm basically trying not to worry about it too much because if it is real contractions..well..they'll just continue I figure. But I believe I'm still considered pre-term (I'll be 36 weeks on Tuesday), so I'd hate to go into labor now.