Background

Braxton Hicks

Before "true" labor begins, you may have "false" labor pains, also known as Braxton Hicks contractions. They are your body's way of getting ready for the "real thing."

You may feel these irregular contractions of your uterus during the third trimester, although they may start to happen as early as the second trimester. They are perfectly normal and not anything to worry about.

What Do "Braxton Hicks" Contractions Feel Like?

(They get their name from John Braxton Hicks, an English doctor who first described them in 1872.)


Some women describe Braxton Hicks contractions as tightening in the abdomen that comes and goes. Many women say they feel like mild menstrual cramps. Unlike true labor, these contractions are usually not painful and do not happen at regular intervals. They do not get closer together, do not increase with walking, do not last longer as they go on, and do not feel stronger over time as they do when you are in true labor. 

How Do I Know When Contractions Indicate True Labor?


To figure out if the contractions you are feeling are the real thing and you're going into labor, ask yourself the following questions.


How often do the contractions happen?

  • False Labor: Contractions are often irregular and do not get closer together.
  • True Labor: Contractions come at regular intervals and last about 30-70 seconds. As time goes on, they get closer together and stronger.

Do they change with movement?

  • False Labor: Contractions may stop when you walk or rest, or may even stop if you change positions.
  • True Labor: Contractions continue despite movement, rest, or changing positions.

How strong are they?

  • False Labor: Contractions are usually weak and do not get much stronger. Or they may be strong at first and then get weaker.
  • True Labor: Contractions steadily increase in strength.

Where do you feel the pain?

  • False Labor: Contractions are usually only felt in the front of the abdomen or pelvis.
  • True Labor: Contractions are more intense and may start in the lower back and move to the front of the abdomen. Or they may start in your abdomen and move to your back.

If you have signs of true labor, contact your health care provider immediately. If you're not sure, call your health care provider anyway. If you are having any of the following, you may be in true labor.

  • Contractions every 10 minutes or more than five contractions in an hour
  • Regular tightening or pain in your back or lower abdomen
  • Increasing pressure in the pelvis or vagina
  • Menstrual-like cramps
  • Bleeding
  • Fluid leak
  • Flu-like symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
If you are having Braxton Hicks contractions, you really don't need to do anything unless they are making you uncomfortable. If they are, try the following:

  • Take a walk. False labor contractions often stop when you change position or get up and walk.
  • Get some sleep or rest.
  • Relax.
  • Drink water.
  • Eat a snack or small meal.
  • Get a massage.


credit to http://www.babymed.com/pregnancy-symptoms/contractions-braxton-hicks

 
Braxton Hick Contractions True Labor
Irregular in intensity
Infrequent
Unpredictable
No cervical changes
Uncomfortable 
Strong
Regular
Less than 2-3 minutes apart
Last longer than 30 seconds
Cervix  changes
Painful
- See more at: http://www.babymed.com/pregnancy-symptoms/contractions-braxton-hicks#sthash.YZKCMkDZ.dpufv
Braxton Hick Contractions True Labor
Irregular in intensity
Infrequent
Unpredictable
No cervical changes
Uncomfortable 
Strong
Regular
Less than 2-3 minutes apart
Last longer than 30 seconds
Cervix  changes
Painful
- See more at: http://www.babymed.com/pregnancy-symptoms/contractions-braxton-hicks#sthash.YZKCMkDZ.dpuf

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