You are not "bugging" your midwife if you think you are in early labor! You should have called her before you called the hospital. She is your primary caregiver and is best-suited to evaluate whether or not you need to have medical intervention. Sorry...don't mean to scold you...but, OF COURSE the hospital is going to tell you to come in.
I had all those symptoms + really painful contractions before I realized I was in labor with my first. By now, you know that every pregnancy is different...and each one comes faster than the one previous. Is it possible that you have your due date wrong?
It could simply be your body entering the home stretch. My baby dropped way down low about 35 weeks...I delivered at 37.5. From what I understand, it is liekly to happen sooner with each one.
Good luck and CALL YOUR MIDWIFE...especially if she is anything like mine with the email! ;-)
EDIT: I really wasn't "fussing" at you...but, unless you're also being treated by an OB, the hospital isn't necessarily the best person to assess your situation--it isn't about MD vs. midwife. It is about the caregiver that has been with you throughout the pregnancy. You chose a midwife for a reason...call her.
Tone can get lost in the written word. We all need to remember that.