Blogging Pregnancy

How Can I Tell Braxton Hicks From Labor During Pregnancy?

When it comes to labor most women are uncertain and anxious about when it will start and what to do when it does start. Even experienced mothers sometimes have a difficult time discerning between Braxton Hicks contractions and true labor.

What Are Braxton Hicks Contractions During Pregnancy
Our bodies prepare for weeks prior to labor and delivery. A series of complex hormonal and physical changes must occur before we are ready to deliver our babies.  Braxton Hicks contractions during pregnancy are simply a sign our bodies are preparing for labor and delivery. For many women however, these contractions come with much uncertainty as women try to differentiate between false labor and the “real thing” during pregnancy.

Braxton Hicks contractions are uterine contractions that often start several weeks before labor. Consider them your bodies efforts at preparing for labor. In later pregnancies, many women report feeling Braxton Hicks contractions much earlier, sometimes as early as the late second to early third trimester.

Braxton Hicks contractions are characterized by the following:

•  Infrequent contractions that occur sporadically.
•  Contractions that occur in irregular patterns.
•  Feel like tightening across the lower abdomen, but are usually painless.
•  Generally last less than a minute.

When Braxton Hicks contractions occur in the couple of weeks preceding labor, they may become more uncomfortable as they help prepare your cervix to ripen for labor. Many experienced moms report their Braxton Hicks contractions are more intense and slightly more uncomfortable in later pregnancies. During your first pregnancy you may not even notice the painless contractions typical of Braxton Hicks until very late in your pregnancy.

Braxton Hicks contractions are not the same as labor contractions.  While they sometimes inspire much excitement, they can last for weeks before birth and are not necessarily an “imminent” sign of labor.  They do however, often fool even experienced moms into thinking that labor is approaching.  For this reason many refer to Braxton Hicks contractions during pregnancy as “false labor.”

Many women prefer not to feel Braxton Hicks as they confuse them with true labor. Here are some simple steps you can take to help alleviate false labor contractions:

•  Try taking a warm bath or shower.
•  Change your position or lay down and rest for a while. If your contractions go away they are likely Braxton Hicks rather than true labor.
•  Try meditation or relaxation exercises to help relieve any discomfort and anxiety you are feeling.
•  Be sure to drink plenty of water as Braxton Hicks contractions may result from dehydration.

True Labor Contractions During Pregnancy
True labor contractions are very different from Braxton Hicks contractions. Here are some signs you may be having true labor contractions and should contact your doctor or midwife:

•  You have four or more contractions over one hour.
•  You experience menstrual cramping and a backache with contractions.
•  Contractions are accompanied with vaginal bleeding or spotting.
•  Your membranes rupture or you notice you are leaking fluid consistently from the vagina.
•  Contractions are rhythmic and become more intense with time.
•  You feel increasing pressure in your pelvis, like something is pushing down on your cervix.
•  Your contractions last at least 60 seconds long and are between two and five minutes apart. This generally suggests you may be in labor.

Keep in mind most women will experience several hours of intense contractions during active labor before they actually deliver their babies. This is especially the case if you are a first time mom. When true contractions do start up, take some time to get as much rest as possible before you check in with your health care provider. This will help prepare you for the adventures you are about to begin when entering true labor!