39wks pregnant. .how can u tell the difference between actual contractions and braxton hicks?

Real contractions: Don;'t fade away and they get stronger and stronger and closer and closer together until you finally will double over. Braxton hick, while they can be pretty strong will eventually fade out, even though they may be regular for a while and do not continue to get stronger and stronger and get closer and closer together.

Great question: False labor or b-h contractions are usually short and mild and irregular. The real contractions last 30-60 secs... You want to stop walking and talking while you're having one. They are regular about 5 minutes or less apart. Call your OB if u r not sure !

Strong contractions: Braxton hicks contractions are mild contractions of the uterus as your body prepares for labor. Often women describe true labor as progressively worsening contractions that occur closer and closer together. If your contractions are so painful that they cause you to stop what you are doing, and you can't walk or talk, and it takes your breath away, you may be in labor. See your doctor to be sure.

True labor contrac: True labor contractions will progress over time-longer , stronger and closer together. Bh contractions do not follow a pattern and usually subside with rest and hydration.

Sometimes difficult: True labor is when contractions become regular and closer together like five minutes apart and there is dilation of the cervix.