Am I Really in Labor?

Will I know when I am in labor? How will I know when I am really in labor? Will I be able to reach hospital on time when my labor starts? What if I do not understand that it is a labor pain and the baby pops out while I am still at home? These are a few most burning questions in the minds of most first-time mothers. Childbirth practitioners have a standard answer 'You will know, nothing to worry'. Baby won't pop out so easily and this is very true. Mothers realise this after they have gone through labor.

As you get closer to your due date, it is important to understand the difference between true labor and false labor contractions. Some women experience tightening in the abdomen, a low menstrual-like cramp mostly in the third trimester whereas in some, it may began as early as the second trimester. These early contractions are called Braxton-Hicks contractions after the name of the English doctor, John Braxton Hicks who first described them. Braxton Hicks are also called 'practice contractions' as it prepares you for the work that is ahead. However, they do not help in labor. These contractions may occur if the baby of the pregnant women is very active, after sex, if the bladder is full or the person is dehydrated. These contractions are often mistaken as real contractions especially when they occur close to the due date. Even women who already have children have mistaken them as labor beginning and rushed to hospital.

The main difference between true labor contractions and false (Braxton-Hicks) labor contractions are outlined below.

1. True labor contractions occur at regular intervals whereas false contractions occur at irregular intervals. Timing the contraction are useful to know if true labor contractions have started.

2. The intensity of contractions increases and interval between contraction shortens in true contractions whereas the intensity remains relatively unchanged and the interval between the contraction remains unchanged in case of false contractions.

3. True labor contractions causes discomfort in back and lower abdomen which does not stop with walking whereas in the other case, discomfort is primarily in the lower abdomen which is relieved by walking.

4. Most important point is true labor contractions dilates the cervix and makes the body ready for delivery whereas false contractions does not dilate the cervix.

These important points really help to distinguish between true and false labor alarm and how can know when is the right time to go to the hospital. If you have not hit the 37th week and are having four or more contractions an hour or have any preterm labor signs, call your caregiver immediately.