Braxton Hicks contractions will be consistent in intensity and frequency, whereas true labor contractions will grow progressively more intense and more frequent. True labor will also be accompanied by lower back pain, and the appearance of blood streaked vaginal discharge. False labor is felt more as a pain in the abdomen than the lower back. The contractions will occur but will then taper off and disappear, whereas with true labor, the contractions don't stop. Unlike true labor contractions the pain or discomfort of false labor contractions can be managed by drinking a glass of water or getting up and walking around.
Some women say that lying down helps the contractions subside.
If a woman feels contractions that indicate true labor at any time during her pregnancy she should call her doctor or midwife immediately. It is also not a bad idea, if there is some doubt to simply gain reassurance by placing a call.