Braxton-Hicks Contractions or True Labor Pains?

Your due date is near. Your baby is almost here. You thought those pains you were having last week were labor pains. After calling your doctor and answering what seemed to be about a thousand questions, he tells you that there's no need to go to the hospital, it is only Braxton-Hicks contractions, false labor. Well, it sure felt like real pains to you! I remember those contractions and how excited I was every time they started, thinking, "My baby is coming! Finally, this is going to be over and I'll get to hold my baby in my arms!". I'd rush to the hospital all excited and then be sent back home a couple of hours later, disappointed. "It's only Braxton-Hicks contractions", they'd say. False labor, again!! Here's a guide to help you understand false labor and how to determine if it is time for you to call the doctor and head to the hospital.

What are Braxton-Hicks contractions?

These are very common contractions that happen when the uterus contracts in preparation for your baby's birth. They can start as early as 6 weeks into the pregnancy, but are most common in the last trimester. Many women never feel these contractions until the last few weeks or they may not even associate what they are feeling as contractions. These contractions may feel like period pains, backache, or as a strong pulling pain in the lower vaginal area.

How are Braxton-Hicks contractions different from true labor pains?

True labor pains can be felt throughout the entire body, usually starting in the lower back while false labor pains are usually only felt in the lower abdominal section. True labor pains will consistently get stronger and closer together and lasting longer as the contractions increases, but false labor is very irregular contractions that usually lasts a minute or so and then go away for a while. You might want to time your contractions and the intervals between them so you will be able to relay this information to the doctor when you decide to call him.

What causes Braxton-Hicks contractions?

These contractions are a normal part of pregnancy caused when the uterus contracts. Several things can cause the contraction of the uterus, especially in the last few weeks of pregnancy. Strenuous exercises, over activity and lifting heavy things should be avoided because they can bring on false labor as well as true labor. Of course, sexual intercourse or even the natural movement of the baby can cause false labor pains, too. Even such a simple thing as someone touching your belly can cause these contractions!

What can relieve the discomfort of Braxton-Hicks contractions?

If you are sitting or lying down, change positions. Get up and walk around. Sometimes, this is all it takes to make the contractions stop. Try to soak in a warm bath or drink a cup of herbal tea to help your body relax. Try the breathing exercises you learned in Lamaze classes. Drink a lot of liquids to prevent dehydration. However, this will lead to extra trips to the bathroom, so be prepared! If any of these things help to stop the contractions, then you know it was only false labor because real labor contractions will not ease up or go away no matter what you do.

Should you call the doctor for Braxton-Hicks contractions?

If you have had no problems with your pregnancy so far and you are sure that it is false labor, there is no need to contact your doctor as long as you remember to tell him about it at your next visit. However, if you are less than 37 weeks pregnant and you are having more than four contractions in an hour, call your doctor right away. This could be a sign of premature labor.

When should you call the doctor for Braxton-Hicks labor?

Be safe and don't try to diagnosis yourself. If you are not sure what kind of labor you are having, call the doctor. If you are spotting, bleeding or leaking water, call your doctor immediately. If your contractions are coming every 10 minutes, call him. If you are experiencing anything you think is not normal, call your doctor. He will not mind taking the time to assess the situation and advise you of what to do!!