If they are more than 4 and hour for a few hours even after hydrating and relaxing they aren't Braxton hicks they are actually a step further.
And can cause real labor and your cervix to open or preterm labor
I thought I was having BH but I was having contractions and went into preterm labor
The BH contractions can help your body get things "ready"- so they can help dilation progress. It can take a while though, and I wouldn't worry if you have not had any other signs of labor.