Braxton Hicks contractions are sometimes called false labor. These symptoms can sometimes be caused by dehydration, infection, increased activity and occasionally, by sexual activity. Unfortunately, Braxton Hicks can feel just as painful as "real" contractions, and it's often nearly impossible to tell the difference. Although Braxton Hicks contractions are typically infrequent, irregular, go away with rest, and only mildly uncomfortable; sometimes they can be very frequent, painful, and regular. The true definition of Braxton Hicks contractions is that they don't result in cervical change and they don't lead to labor. In many cases, the only way to be sure if your contractions are "real" or "false" is by having your cervix checked for dilation during contractions.

As a rule of thumb, you should be concerned if you're having contractions more than every 10 minutes or more than 6 per hour. Let you provider know if the contractions last for more than 2 hours, and don't go away with rest. Contractions that are less frequent than this can usually be ignored and assumed to be Braxton Hicks contractions.