Braxton hicks v.s real contractions

I’m hoping you guys can help me tell the difference, this is my third baby! But my first was a csection (breech baby) at 39 weeks, I never felt any pain. Second baby I never had contractions, I was induced at 41 weeks and I went from some period cramps to extremely painful contractions! So basically I have no idea how contractions actually feel or how to tell I’m going into labor! this pregnancy has been really hard on my body, I’ve been having Braxton hicks since the second trimester and they are getting a little worse by the week, I’m 36 weeks today. As of right now my Braxton hicks are a bit painful, lots of pelvic pressure, tightness, pain goes to my back a little bit and just tonight I felt like me vagina was getting riped open, anybody has any input?? Thank you!