True contractions begin atthe back and spread towards abdomen. Braxton Hicks are only in the belly and can cause hardening in a part of the belly. They are mostly not painful. You will get around four to five contractions at a time and then they disappear. True contractions, however, get stronger, closer, and more painful with time (4).
Braxton Hicks, also known as false labor, prepares the body for the work that lies ahead. These contractions are irregular and short, and are not very painful. The Braxton Hicks Contractions begin in the 5th or 7th month and go on until delivery.