I would prefer serious answers for this question please!?

I have had many bh contractions before. But today I have had contractions where the top of my stumach goes almost as hard as a table, and I get pain. The pain hasnt gotten unbearable yet, but the contractions are about a half hour apart. Does this sound like the real thing this time? I havent lost my mucus plug yet (At least I dont think so, I have had mucusy discharge and it is white but rather mucusy.) My water hasnt broken yet either. I am not going in, because I have been told not to go in untill contrations are 5 minutes apart. Do these contractions sound like the real thing, or more braxton hicks??