When I had my son I did not really feel any contractions I felt a bit uncomfortrable like if I was cramping, I went to the hospital and they told me I was having my contractons less than a minute apart, I had dilated 9 cm and as soon as I walked in the room my water broke. My point is that if I didn't go to check myself for those small cramps I would have not have time to reach the hospital so it's better if you get checked.