Think Im in slow labour, how can I help it progress?

Hi, its my EDD tomorrow and since Friday night I have been having "contractions" my belly goes really hard at the top and the pain spreads round to the bottom of my back, I have alot of pressure at my pelvis and also at my bottom (like I need a number 2) Ive been having loose stools and increased l mucus, ive not done anything about it as they are painfull but not unbearable and they are really irregular sometimes stopping for hours at a time, and ive still been able to sleep at night. I spoke to my friend and she said sometimes when that happens I need to "encourage" my body to keep contracting as if I sit with my feet up or lie down it will only help them stop. Shes had 2 babies with her first she took castor oil and had him the next day (i wont be doing that, my first baby had a bowel movement before birth and that was without castor oil, plus I dont want diarreah) with her second she just did alot of walking and starjumps and went into labour! Is this true i can help my labour progress, and any suggestions? Im seeing the midwife tomorrow morning for my first internal during this pregnancy and Ill also get a membrane sweep. Any advice would be appreciated, thanks!