Braxton Hicks vs. Real Contractions: Understanding Pain & Timing

Question
I am 20 years old I have one child who is almost 2. The date of my last menstral peroid was july 18th my ultra sounds tell me Im due April 25th/06.
My question is,I was up all last night with what I think was braxton hicks contraction They were very painful and intense and didnt subside by walking or changing positions. I had more then 5 in an hour. They felt almost like gut rot/ menstral cramps I think... they're very had to describe. the pain was in the front lower abdomen and my sides, I also got  really bad headaches , i was very cold and shaky. My question is what should I do if this happens again?
Thank you Nicky Campbell  

Answer
Since you are only 32 weeks pregnant at this point, it is too early for you to go into labor, and if you are having contractions that are comming more than every 10 minutes and are lasting more than 30 seconds, you should be checked by your doctor. If your cervix is opening up you may have to be treated with a tocolytic agent to stop the contractions (Terbutaline, MgSO4, etc). A sonogram should be done to see the length of your cervix. If it is less than 3cm, you have a higher risk of preterm labor. If you have any doubts at all about your contractions, consult with your doctor.