From what I've experienced braxton hix are more just pressure and they are kind of uncomfortable but not painful , real contractions are the same except for they are painful

Braxton hicks contractions are when the uterus tighens up to prepare your body for when it is time for labor. They are normally noticed around 24 to 28 weeks by women, but I noticed them around 21 weeks! They should only have 5 to 10 times a day, and be very unpredictable. Dehydration can cause them as well as hunger or being a little to active. My doc told me to try to drink more fluids and take it easy. If your contractions get close together and start to come consistantly, then you should be worried! I would talk to your doc anyway, it will ease your mind tremendously!

Here is an article from a paper my home nurse gave me:

REAL CONTRACTIONS:
Regular, Get stronger as time goes on, Get closer together, Do not go away, Usually start in the back and travel to the front.

BRAXTON HICKS:
Irregular, Short in length, Do not get longer, stronger, or closer together; Go away after a few minutes, and Usually are located in the front part of your abdomen.

While these pains are going on try doing these:
*Time the contractions (time from the START of one contraction to the START of the next one).
*Take a short walk (take someone with you).
*Take a shower.
*Rest on your left side.
If the contractions keep coming after you do one or more of these things, you are probably in true labor and they are real contractions.

That is a paper a nurse gave me and I hope I have helped you some. Good luck :D

Well my braxton hicks were painful, got stronger and longer. HOWEVER they were never regular. The moment they become regular you should ring the hospital.