As someone who has been a first time mother, I know the anxiety of wondering whether or not your contractions are real, or just Braxton Hicks contractions. To help you from a number of trips to the hospital, ending back home without a baby, I thought I would put a couple tips together to help you know if you are really ready to have that baby or not!
So you ask, how will I really know?
Well lets start at the start of the Third Trimester. your uterus will begin to contract on its own, working up to the big day with practice contractions, or better known as Braxton Hicks contractions. Braxton Hicks contractions feel like period cramps, with slight tightening of the belly, and in reality, they feel like very mild labor contractions. Although sometimes, these Braxton Hicks contractions can be very painful. Sometimes they can actually even form a pattern and actually fool you into thinking you really are in labor. A couple helpful guidelines to follow are….
Timing of Contractions :
- False Labor : Often but irregular contractions, not usually close together.
- Real Labor : Come regularly, usually between 4-6 minutes apart, and will become closer together.
Contractions last between 30 to 70 seconds.
Strength of Contractions :
- False Labor : Frequently weak, not getting stronger as time goes on or contractions progress, or a strong contraction followed by weaker contractions.
- Real Labor : Become stronger with time, as well as adding vaginal pressure.
Position Changes & Hydration :
- Sometimes dehydration in mothers can cause contractions to start. Making sure you are properly hydrated will help to eliminate the possibility of false labor.
- False Labor : Contractions most likely will stop if you change positions, get up, and walk around.
- Real Labor : Contractions will continue no matter what position you are in, or if you get up and walk around.
Pain with Contractions :
- False Labor : Normally will only be felt in the front of your belly.
- Real Labor : Contractions will likely start towards the back, and move to the front.
Now, all of this is not completely how to tell if and when you are really in labor, but it is a pretty good indicator.
So when should you grab your hospital bag and head to the hospital? Well if you are less than 36 weeks pregnant and experiencing what you think are real contractions, or anything alarming, call your provider. They may tell you to meet them at the hospital, or even at their office to see what is going on with you.
If you are close to your due date and your contractions are 3-5 minute apart, gaining strength and you really feel like “this is it” head for the hospital (unless planning a home birth.)
Even if you are not sure whether or not you really are in labor, go to your labor and delivery unit. It is better safe than sorry!
