How do I tell the difference between BH and preterm labor?

I am 26w6d and having some cramping back pain since last night. Can anyone tell me thier experiences with preterm labor or BH. I dont want to go to the hospital unless I am pretty sure that this isnt just normal pregnancy pains.

[peekawho]

The time to be concerned about preterm labor contractions are if you are experiencing 6 or more contractions in an hour, if you are having bloody or brown discharge, if you are having a water-like discharge, persistent, unusual backache that isn't easily relieved by simple tylenol and gentle heat.

If you are having these signs, you need to call your doctor and let them know.  Sometimes your doctor will reassure you over the phone, but more often, they will want to see you to be sure you are not dilating.

Never worry about "bothering" the doctor.  The saddest things I've seen are when women aren't sure what to do, so they just stay home until its too late to stop the labor.  

Preterm labor is different than full term labor in that the signs can be subtle and often not too different from "normal" pregnancy  symptoms.  Often, only and exam by a doctor or a visit to L&D can tell for sure.

I'd rather see 100 ladies with normal symptoms than 1 who had real preterm labor and didn't go in to be seen until it was too late.  

[kcs08]

Real labor pains will not go away.  I had preterm labor and it wasn't as bad as the real labor but it did take my breath away every time I contracted.  The baby came the next day.  REAL labor pains will be like nothing you have ever felt and you will definitely know when that happens.  Try drinking water and lying down.  

[peekawho]

Do NOT wait for "real labor pains".  By then it could be too late.  Again, if you are not sure that what you are experiencing is normal, contact your doctor.  

[LosingMyMindInGA]

Braxton-Hicks contractions are generally only in the uterus area.  With real labor contractions the pain tends to start from your back and work their way around.  Atleast that's what mine have done.