Know what Braxton-Hicks contractions are so you can tell when you really go into labor.
When you realize you are pregnant you will start reading as much information as you possibly can. One bit of information you will gather will concern when and how your uterus will contract throughout pregnancy, labor and delivery.
The uterus begins contracting after a couple months of being pregnant. These contractions are not felt but it is the uterus exercising since it is a smooth muscle and needs to work so it can deliver a baby at 40 weeks gestation.
Depending on which number baby this is, first baby or subsequent, the contractions you notice will seem to come sooner and be more intense than you knew in your previous pregnancy.
Braxton-Hicks contractions are the ones which your uterus performs in preparation to deliver a baby. If the uterine muscles did not exercise they would be unable to perform during labor and delivery.
These contractions can be very sporadic or seem as regular as labor contractions. It is often hard to distinguish between Braxton-Hicks, also called false labor, and the real contractions which are true labor. Some factors do distinguish the two though.
Braxton-Hicks contractions will not do three things and that is get longer in duration, closer together and last for a longer time period. Real labor will have contractions that are progressive and unable to be halted. Braxton-Hicks contractions may come and go. They may persist for hours on end and then cease to exist at all. You may go to bed being sure you were in labor and wake still pregnant and wondering. No worry as your body is just getting ready. This is an essential component to having a baby.
Even though Braxton-Hicks contractions may last every five minutes for two hours does not mean you are in labor. You may want to call your care provider just to be sure you have spoken with she or he and been advised as to what to keep track of.
One thing to do, if you are full-term, is to try and make the contractions go away and that will tell you what kind they are. True labor will not be stopped by lying on your left side after drinking eight ounces of water. False labor will be. The resting time and hydration will provide what your body needs until labor is imminent.
Trying to stop contractions when you are having a baby may seem crazy, but it is the best approach since you really only want to take real labor seriously and not waste time focusing on false labor.
Braxton-Hicks contractions can truly be as painful as real labor and make it even harder to distinguish the difference between the two. Again, the approach of determining if they are getting longer, stronger or closer together is the key. Real labor will persist and will not be persuaded to go away. It will be as determined to arrive as you are to finish your pregnancy and cuddle your newborn baby.
One thing is certain, so do not despair. Pregnancy is not forever and your will eventually have your baby in your arms.
