contractions

Hi ladies! I'm 26 weeks into my first pregnancy. I think I've started experiencing Braxton Hicks contractions (sharp twinges/cramps on my left side) but I'm not really sure. Premature labor is fairly common on my dad's side and I was "on time" with my mom. As my due date nears, will actual labor contractions be something that I can mistake for Braxton Hicks or is it something that "you can't miss"? Not expecting to go into labor right at my due date, just throwing that info out there. My husband works nights and that leaves me alone. I'm kind of concerned about going into labor while he's at work but also a bit worried it won't be labor and I will have called him home for nothing.