Very intelligent query indeed.
1. Braxton Hick's Contractions are restricted only to the
uterus. Labour pains start from the low back ache and radiate to the uterus.
2. Braxton Hick's Contractions are not progressive. Labour pains are progressive.
3. If you press on the uterus gently with the finger, during Braxton Hick's Contractions, you can indent the uterus, not so during labour pains.
4. There is no blood stained mucoid discharge during Braxton Hick's Contractions while it is seen when the true labour pains start.
5. During Braxton Hick's Contractions, there is no dilatation of the mouth of the uterus (
cervix) while during labour pains, the dilatation starts and is progressive.
In fact low grade uterine contractions are Braxton Hick's Contractions which ultimately end up into labour pains. Braxton Hick's Contractions are present throughout the
pregnancy.
I will not advice you to take any pain killer for subsiding pain of Braxton Hick's Contractions. Tolerate them.
If this is your first pregnancy, your cervix is 4 cms dilated and you are getting intolerable pains, these pains have to be labour pains. Please do not take pain killers. You may ask for an
enema. If these are true labour pains, they will increase. If they are false pains, they will subside.
I am sure you got the proper guidance.