Oh mama, with 5 pregnancies you'd think it gets easier to tell, but honestly the body keeps surprising us! The key difference I've always heard is that real contractions follow a pattern, they get stronger, longer, and closer together over time, while Braxton Hicks tend to stay irregular and ease off when you move around or drink water. Since yours are coming in waves on your back AND causing lower abdominal cramping, that actually sounds more like real labour to me, especially at 37 weeks when you're already considered full term. With your history of C-sections and your doctor saying no induction, I really wouldn't wait around, a friend of mine with a previous C-section was told by her doctor to come in earlier rather than later because the risks are different when there's scar tissue involved. The yellow-white discharge could also mean things are progressing, so honestly just go to the hospital and let them check your dilation, better to go and be sent home than to wait too long. Do check with your own doctor or the hospital's labour ward directly since your situation is quite specific!