|
|
Before "true" labor begins, you may have "false" labor pains, also known as Braxton Hicks contractions. These irregular uterine contractions are perfectly normal and may start to occur as early as the second trimester, although they are more common during the third trimester of pregnancy. They are your body's way of getting ready for the "real thing."
Braxton Hicks contractions can be described as tightening in the abdomen that comes and goes. These contractions are typically not painful and do not occur at regular intervals. They do not get closer together, do not increase with walking, do not increase in how long they last, and do not feel stronger over time as they do when you are in true labor.
The way a true labor contraction feels is different for each woman and may feel different from one pregnancy to the next. Labor contractions cause discomfort or a dull ache in your back and/or lower abdomen, along with pressure in the pelvis. Some women may also feel pain in their sides and thighs. Some women describe contractions as strong menstrual cramps, while others describe them as strong waves that feel like diarrhea cramps.
To figure out if the contractions you are feeling are the real thing and you're going into labor, ask yourself the following questions.
|
Contraction Characteristics |
False Labor |
True Labor |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
How often do the contractions occur? |
Contractions are often irregular and do not get closer together |
Contractions come at regular intervals and last about 30-70 seconds. As time goes on, they get closer together. |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Do they change with movement? |
Contractions may stop when you walk or rest, or may even stop if you change positions |
Contractions continue despite movement or changing positions |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
How strong are they? |
Contractions are usually weak and do not get much stronger. Or they may be strong at first and then get weaker. |
Contractions steadily increase in strength |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Where do you feel the pain? |
Contractions are usually only felt in the front of the abdomen or pelvic region |
Contractions usually start in the lower back and move to the front of the abdomen |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
If you have signs of true labor, contact your health care provider immediately. But if you're unsure, call your health care provider anyway. If you are experiencing any of the following you may be in true labor.
In contrast, if you are having Braxton Hicks contractions, you really don't need to do anything unless they are causing you discomfort. If they are making you uncomfortable try the following:
Get tips for baby and you.
RxList does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. See additional information.
Updated & New