Terrible pain in my stomach ?????

For the last week I have had terrible stabbing pains in the lowest part of my stomach. It feels like it starts there and goes straight down my crotch. It happens out of no where and is enough to almost drop me to the floor. This is my first pregnancy so I have no idea if these are contractions or what. I am going to the dr on mon and will definately ask. I am 8 months. If anyone has any ideas please let me know.
thanks tiff

 I'm sorry you are having these pains.  I never went into labor so not sure what contractions feel like... though I heard they feel more like intense period cramps.  Yours sound like the baby is pressing a nerve and that's whats causing the pains.  Hopefully the little one will shift soon enough to relieve that pressure!

Could be round ligament pain, but it's probably your pelvis spreading. I'm bettin' money on the pelvis. It's usually more painful (and disconcerting since you don't know what it is you're experiencing) in your 1st pregnancy.