[header] How to recognize preterm labor [title] Feel for contractions. [step] A contraction will feel like a tightening of muscles in your abdominal area, especially near your baby. However, a contraction is not always a sign of preterm labor, as you can have false contractions called braxton hicks contractions. 
[substeps] Braxton hicks contractions are generally less severe than regular contractions. Though braxton hicks can be painful sometimes, actual contractions are usually accompanied by more pain and are more regularly spaced.