is it braxton hicks or true labor?

Honey!!!

We're getting closer to the finish line and your body is preparing for the birth of your precious babee in many ways.

One of the most exciting ways to learn and feel what labor will somewhat feel like is Braxton Hicks contractions. Often confused with real labor, they are what we call practice contractions where your body is preparing by contracting the uterus for the big day.

In fact, your amazing and wonderfully made body has been performing Braxton Hicks as early as seven weeks into your pregnancy, but you probably haven't felt them just yet.

Most honeys who experience them feel them from around week 20, and as your due date nears, they will become a little more common.

Braxton Hicks are often sporadic and don’t cause significant changes to the cervix. Labor contractions tend to follow a more regular pattern, and become really intense over time. They play a pivotal role in the dilation and effacement of the cervix, ultimately leading to childbirth.

Here are a few tips to distinguish if you’re having Braxton Hicks or in true labor!

Okay not that feeling, honey!

Braxton Hicks Contractions:

1. Timing and Regularity:

Irregular and sporadic, often occurring infrequently and without a consistent pattern.

2. Intensity:

Generally mild and more uncomfortable than painful.

3. Location:

Often felt in the front of the abdomen and may be concentrated in the upper part.

4. Effect on Cervix:

Typically do not cause cervical dilation or effacement.

5. Triggers:

Often triggered by dehydration, physical activity, or touching the abdomen.

Labor Contractions:

1. Timing and Regularity:

Become progressively more regular, frequent, and intense over time, forming a consistent pattern.

2. Intensity:

Gradually intensify, becoming more painful as labor progresses.

3. Location:

Initially felt in the lower back and abdomen, radiating towards the pelvis.

4. Effect on Cervix:

Lead to cervical dilation and effacement, crucial for the progression of labor.

5. Triggers:

Generally not influenced by external factors like hydration or movement; they are a natural part of the labor process.

Not just yet, honey!!

Pay attention to all the sensations and feelings of your body during pregnancy. As your doula, I ask all the questions as mentioned above.

If you’re having contractions and not quite sure if it’s labor or not, call your provider immediately.

Childbirth education is a benefit to you and your babee. It will teach you each stage of labor, how your body will respond to the natural progression of labor and mostly how to prepare for a positive birth experience.

You need skilled and quality Birth to Breastfeeding support. I'd love to chat over a free 30 minute consultation.

Book me, honey!