Braxton Hicks Contractions or Phantom Pains?

MommyMelDay

With my first child, I only experienced back labor and no braxton hicks before that.  With this baby (35 weeks), I am having so much cramping and pain, almost like menstrual cramping.  It's never regular for more than a half hour or so, but it happens a couple times a day, especially at night.  

I suppose I'm looking for some insight on how braxton hicks contractions felt vs. real contractions.  I've got no experience with either