Before "true" labor begins, you may have "false" labor pains. These are also known as Braxton Hicks contractions. They are your body's way of getting ready for the real thing -- the day you give birth -- but they are not a sign that labor has begun or is getting ready to begin.
Some women describe Braxton Hicks contractions as tightening in the abdomen that comes and goes. Many women say these “false” contractions feel like mild menstrual cramps. Braxton Hicks contractions may be uncomfortable, but they do not cause labor or open the cervix.
Unlike true labor, Braxton Hicks contractions:
Are usually not painful
Don’t happen at regular intervals
Don’t get closer together
Don’t increase when you walk
Do not last longer as they go on
Do not feel stronger over time
Don’t happen at regular intervals
Don’t get closer together
Don’t increase when you walk
Do not last longer as they go on
Do not feel stronger over time
You may feel Braxton Hicks contractions during the third trimester or as early as your second trimester. They are perfectly normal and nothing to worry about.
If you’re having Braxton Hicks contractions, you really don't need to do anything. If they’re making you uncomfortable:
Take a walk. False labor contractions often stop when you change position or get up and move.
Get some sleep or rest.
Relax by taking a warm bath or by listening to music.
Get a massage.
Get some sleep or rest.
Relax by taking a warm bath or by listening to music.
Get a massage.
How Do Braxton Hicks Compare to True Labor Contractions?
To figure out if the contractions you are feeling are the real thing and you're going into labor, ask yourself the following questions.
How often do the contractions happen?
False Labor: Contractions are often irregular and don’t get closer together.
True Labor: Contractions come at regular intervals and last about 30-70 seconds. As time goes on, they get closer together and stronger.
Do they change when you move?
False Labor: Contractions may stop when you walk or rest, or may even stop if you change positions.
True Labor: Contractions continue despite how you move or change positions. They also continue when you try to rest.
How strong are they?
False Labor: Contractions are usually weak and don't get much stronger. Or they may be strong at first and then get weaker.
True Labor: Contractions get steadily stronger and stronger.
Where do you feel the pain?
False Labor: You usually feel it only in the front of your abdomen or pelvis.
True Labor: Contractions are more intense and may start in your lower back and move to the front of your abdomen. Or they may start in your abdomen and move to your back.
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