Braxton hicks all morning or contractions?

I’m a second time mom and still have no clue how to tell the difference between Braxton hicks and actual contractions. The Braxton hicks definitely feel painful but bearable but I remember with my first that my contractions were also bearable until my water broke. I didn’t feel true excruciating pain until after my water broke. I also had prodromal labor for days so I really didn’t know I was in actual labor until my water broke which was a huge gush like in the movies so there was no questioning it . Therefore, I am now 35 weeks with my second, having Braxton hicks all morning and have no idea if maybe they’re actual contractions?? I feel them in my back and my uterus. I also had diarrhea last night and have overall been feeling awful with severe back pain (but mostly upper so I didn’t think it was from pregnancy) that’s now more in my mid-center back.

Anything I can do to slow them down if they are true contractions or even Braxton hicks cuz it’s too early still.