Not sure if those contractions are the real thing? Here is how to tell Braxton Hicks from true labor, plus when to call your doctor and when to stay home.
Braxton Hicks vs Real Labor: What I Wish Someone Had Told Me During My First Pregnancy
During my first pregnancy, I went to the hospital twice for false labor. Twice. I was embarrassed. I was exhausted. And I had no idea what I was feeling.
By my second baby, I finally understood the difference between Braxton Hicks contractions and the real thing. And I wish someone had explained it to me earlier.
If you are in your third trimester and every twitch makes you wonder “is this it?”, you are not alone. Let me walk you through what I learned – so you can stop guessing and start knowing.
What Are Braxton Hicks Contractions?
Braxton Hicks are practice contractions. Your uterus is getting ready for the real thing. They usually start around the second trimester but become more noticeable in the third.
They feel like a tightening in your lower belly or groin. Sometimes the whole uterus hardens for a few seconds. Then it relaxes.
They are not painful, just uncomfortable. And they are completely normal.
According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), Braxton Hicks are your body’s way of preparing for labor. They do not mean you are going into labor soon.
What Do Real Labor Contractions Feel Like?
Real contractions are different. They are stronger. They last longer. And they do not go away when you change positions.
Here is what real labor feels like:
- A wave of pain that starts in your lower back and wraps around to your belly
- Pain that does not stop when you sit down or lie down
- Contractions that come at regular intervals and get closer together
- Pain that gets stronger over time, not weaker
If you are also dealing with lightning crotch or sharp pelvic pain, those are not contractions either. That is your baby pressing on nerves.
How to Tell the Difference (The Simple Checklist)
Here is the cheat sheet I used. Keep it handy.
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If your contractions are irregular, not getting stronger, and stop when you rest or change positions, it is probably Braxton Hicks. Go back to bed.
If your contractions are regular, getting stronger, and do not stop, call your doctor.
What Helps Braxton Hicks Go Away
When I had Braxton Hicks that were annoying but not painful, I tried a few things.
Change positions. If you are sitting, stand up and walk. If you are standing, sit down and put your feet up.
Drink water. Dehydration makes Braxton Hicks worse. Drink a big glass of water and see if they stop.
Empty your bladder. A full bladder can irritate your uterus and trigger practice contractions.
Take a warm bath. Warm water relaxes your muscles and often stops false labor.
If these things make the contractions go away, it was not real labor.
When to Call Your Doctor
Call your doctor right away if you have:
- Contractions every 10 minutes or less that do not stop when you rest
- Water breaking (a gush or a slow leak)
- Bright red bleeding
- Severe pain that does not go away
- Less baby movement than usual
Do not feel silly for calling. That is what your doctor is there for. I called twice with my first baby. They were kind both times.
What About the 5-1-1 Rule?
Many doctors use the 5-1-1 rule for when to go to the hospital:
- Contractions every 5 minutes
- Each contraction lasting 1 minute
- For at least 1 hour
If you are a first-time mom, this is a good guideline. But every labor is different. Some women have contractions that skip around. Some women never have regular contractions until they are already in active labor.
When in doubt, call your doctor. They know your history and can tell you what to do.
If you are also tracking other late-pregnancy symptoms, you might find my article on pregnancy discharge helpful – losing your mucus plug is another sign labor may be coming.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can Braxton Hicks start in my back?
Usually no. Braxton Hicks are felt in the front of your belly. If you feel pain in your lower back that comes and goes in waves, that is more likely to be real labor.
2. Do Braxton Hicks mean labor is soon?
No. Braxton Hicks can start weeks or even months before labor. They are practice, not a sign that baby is coming soon.
3. Why do Braxton Hicks get worse at night?
Many women notice more Braxton Hicks in the evening. You are tired. You are dehydrated from the day. Your bladder is full. All of these things can trigger practice contractions.
4. Can I sleep through Braxton Hicks?
Yes. Real labor contractions will wake you up. If you are sleeping through them, they are probably Braxton Hicks.
5. How far apart should contractions be before I go to the hospital?
The 5-1-1 rule is a good starting point. But call your doctor. They may want you to come in sooner if you have other risk factors or if this is not your first baby.
Conclusion
Braxton Hicks are annoying. They are confusing. But they are not labor.
If your contractions are irregular, not getting stronger, and stop when you rest, stay home. Drink water. Change positions. Take a warm bath.
If your contractions are regular, getting stronger, and do not stop, call your doctor. That could be the real thing.
You will know. And if you do not know, call anyway. That is what they are there for.
You have got this, mama.
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