39@2days pregnant, how do I know for sure these are real contractions?

Since just b4 8last night, I have been having quite intense and regular braxton hicks, by 1they were 15mins apart on the nose for over 2hrs, I then went to lie down but fell asleep, when I woke they ranged from 9to13mins apart, so went back to bed to wake another hr later and am still having them but not quite as regular as b4, is it just likely to be a false alarm or is labour just round the corner and if it is can I hurry it along a little anyway? Thanks in advance for any answers!! Am fed up and tired now I just want to know!