Braxton Hicks contractions are also known as “false” labor. These contractions can often be confused with early labor. This is especially true for first time mothers, but even seasoned veterans wonder at least once or twice before the real thing. As the third trimester progresses, these contractions can get stronger, making it more difficult to tell the difference.
There are three things to consider when determining if your contractions are real or not. The first thing to consider is the timing of the contractions. Initially, this can seem difficult to determine, particularly if the contractions are coming frequently. In general, the timing of the contractions will be more regular in real labor and irregular in false labor.
You may have to time them for a while to see if there is an overall pattern. Early labor contractions are not exact in their timing, meaning each one won’t be spaced ten minutes apart. But, if you time them over an hour, you will see a pattern. You usually will not see this with false labor.
The other thing to consider is the stregnth of the contractions. The contractions in real labor are stronger than Braxton Hicks. In addition, Braxton Hicks contractions don’t get progressively stronger. You will usually have a strong one followed by some weaker contractions. In real labor, they generally get stronger over time. This is one of the biggest inicators that labor is real.
The location of the pain is another factor in telling the difference between real and false labor contractions. Braxton Hicks contractions are usually confined to the abdomen. Real contractions may radiate from the back to the front.
If you aren’t sure if you are in labor, there are a few things you can try. Braxton Hicks contractions are often triggered by dehydration. The first thing you should do is drink water. Sometimes this is all it takes to stop false labor pains. It will do nothing for real labor. Changing position will stop false labor, but not the real thing, too.
Time your contractions for an hour and note the severity and location of the pain. This will give you a better picture of what is happening and you will see a pattern or lack of one. If you still aren’t sure and decide to call your health care provider, you will have specific information to give him over the phone. Of course, if your due date hasn’t arrived, call the doctor right away.
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