Braxton Hicks vs. Real Contractions

It’s quite a rollercoaster when one minute you’re enjoying your growing baby bump, and the next, you’re questioning if those tightening sensations are the real deal or just a false alarm. Did you know that up to 60% of first-time moms rush to the hospital believing they’re in labor, only to be sent home empty handed? No need to fret though, soon-to-be mama, we’ll get into the nitty-gritty of understanding Braxton Hicks vs. real contractions, so you can confidently differentiate between the two.

What Are Braxton Hicks Contractions?

Braxton Hicks contractions are sometimes referred to as “practice contractions” or “false labor.” They signal your body’s readiness for the delivery day. These type of contractions usually begin in the second or third trimester of pregnancy. Imagine it as your uterus getting some practice in before the main event occurs.

Frequent causes of Braxton Hicks contractions often involve:

• Dehydration
• A full bladder
• Engaging in exercise
• Sex

When you go through Braxton Hicks contractions you may notice a tightening feeling in your stomach. It is usually not painful although some women may find it slightly uncomfortable. These contractions are usually sporadic. They do not become stronger or more frequent. They can last anywhere from 30 seconds to 2 minutes and often subside when you move around or change positions.

Understanding Real Contractions

Actual contractions are truly significant as they mark the beginning of labor and assist in delivering your baby into the world. Unlike the “practice” contractions discussed earlier, real contractions focus on progression and consistency in their pattern.

Once labor starts to kick in, you’ll observe these key characteristics:

• Their intensity grows as time passes
• They occur at regular intervals
• They last longer as labor progresses
• Despite shifts in movement or position they persist

Real contractions typically begin as an ache in your back or lower belly. As labor progresses, you’ll move through various stages, where contractions grow stronger, longer, and closer together.

Distinguishing Between Braxton Hicks and Real Contractions

Understanding the disparities, between Braxton Hicks contractions and labor contractions can assist you in deciding whether it’s the moment to grab that hospital bag and hit the road or simply kick back and unwind.

1. Intensity and Pain Level: Braxton Hicks are typically not very painful or mildly uncomfortable. However, real contractions become more intense and can be quite painful, especially as labor advances.
2. Pattern and Regularity: Braxton Hicks are irregular and don’t follow a pattern. Real contractions come at regular intervals that lessen as labor progresses.
3. Location of Discomfort: Braxton Hicks sensations are typically felt in the front of the belly while labor contractions often start in the back and wrap around to the front.
4. Effect of Movement: Changing positions or taking a walk often stops Braxton Hicks sensations but real contractions persist regardless of what you are doing or how you are positioned.
5. Duration and Frequency: Braxton Hicks do not intensify in length or occurrence like contractions do. They gradually become longer lasting and more intense as time goes on. i

Signs That Labor Is Coming

As your delivery date approaches closer and closer, you may notice some hints that labor is approaching. These are some telltale signs:

• Changes in your cervix: As labor progresses your cervix will start to dilate and become thinner.
• Losing the mucus plug: When you lose the mucus plug, you may observe a discharge that resembles mucus.
• Water breaks: This can be a dramatic gush or a gradual trickle.
• Back pain and pelvic pressure: Your body is preparing to push.
• Nesting instinct: Feeling a need to tidy up and arrange things all of a sudden out of the blue? That’s just your nesting instinct gearing up.

When to Call Your Healthcare Provider

It’s important to be cautious when it comes to signs of labor and knowing when to seek help or advice is essential. Here are some guidelines for when to call your healthcare provider:

• Your contractions are coming every 5 minutes, lasting for 1 minute each time for at least an hour
• If the color of the fluid is green or brown when your water breaks.
• You experience heavy bleeding
• You feel a decrease in baby’s movements
• You have severe and constant pain

When you call, be prepared to provide information about how long your contractions are, how long they last as well as how strong they feel.

Coping Strategies

When experiencing Braxton Hicks contractions or the early stages of labor pains, these coping strategies can provide relief:

• Engage in relaxation exercises and practice breathing
• Stay hydrated and eat light snacks
• Try easy exercises like walking or prenatal yoga
• Use a heating pad or take a warm bath
• Get your partner to give you a massage

Every pregnancy is different. It is totally okay to contact your OB/GYN or healthcare provider if you are unsure if you are showing signs of labor. It’s important to trust your gut. Before you know it, you’ll be holding your little one in your arms, and all those practice contractions will fade away.