Woke up feeling contractions I feel cramping on my stomach and vagina area what does it mean??? I know I can only time…

Woke up feeling contractions I feel cramping on my stomach and vagina area what does it mean??? I know I can only time it and I know I'm 1 1/2 cm dilated and my bf goes to work tonight so what should I do just count them? And see what happens cus nurse said don't wait till my water breaks cus then I can't get epidural In time