Beginning of Labor?

I'm a FTM, 37wks2days. Last night around 11:30 I started having some cramping.. very mild, but noticeable. I was having Braxton hicks, anywhere from 5-20min apart. I went to work at 4:00 today (I waitress) and I started noticing that my stomach was getting rock hard every 5-15min and still having cramping. Between 7:15-7:45 I had 6 "contractions" (not sure if.they're considered Braxton hicks or the beginning of real contractions?!). I've also had much more pressure than before. And a few times over the past day or two I've had shooting sensations down below... anyone had this before and then go into active labor shortly after? I know that I'll know when it.turns into REAL contractions... just wondering what others have experienced!
Thanks, ladies :-)