FTM 38 weeks 2 days, lots of pressure, cramping, and aches

Ashleyf1985

Im currently 38 weeks and 2 days, dilated but less than a cm, and 50 effaced. Ive been feeling a constant menstrual like cramping, accompanied by a dull lower back ache for a couple of days now. I dont know how to time this since it doesnt have a clear start or end. But Im not sure if this is some type of contraction? We live a little more than an hour from my hospital, so Im just not sure what to watch for to avoid an unnecessary trip or to make sure we have plenty of time to get there. Anyone else experiencing anything similar?