Braxton-Hicks vs. True Labor Contractions

abor starts differently for every woman. Some will declare that they went into labor at exactly three-thirty in the afternoon, but others, like me, experience noticeable contractions as early as twelve weeks into pregnancy. While these may be alarming to first-time mothers, they are actually nothing at all to worry about, and are actually preparing you for labor. Early in pregnancy, the uterus begins exercising to prepare itself for the marathon of labor. The uterus, being set of muscles, begins squeezing and pulling to tone itself. Although they begin in the first trimester, they are not generally noticed. These muscular contractions, called Braxton-Hicks contractions after the doctor who first described them, are sometimes referred to as "false contractions" because they do not directly work to dilate the cervix. However, many midwives and doctors now feel that this is a misleading term, because there is nothing false about them--they are serving the definite purpose of preparing the body for labor. Therefore, the more accurate phrase "practice contractions" is beginning to gain in popularity. It is easy for most women to differentiate between practice contractions and contractions that signal true labor. Ask yourself these questions to determine whether or not your contractions signal the true onset of labor:

Are the contractions regular?

It is rare, but possible for a woman to be in true labor without her contractions being regular. If your contractions are coming in relatively equal intervals, they are most likely Braxton-Hicks contractions, and not true labor. Practice contractions, unlike real labor, do not come and go with regularity, and they do not grow closer together. If your contractions are irregular and grow further apart, they are not actively working to dilate the cervix.

Are they becoming stronger?

During real labor, contractions grow in strength and frequency. Because some women experience painless labor, it is important to judge labor's progress based on strength, not pain. If your contractions cause you to feel an increasingly strong sensation of tightening, pulling, cramping or pain, they may be signs of true labor. However, if they grow weaker and less intense, they are most likely practice contractions.

Do they change or go away when you move?

Practice contractions vary based on your body's specific conditions. If they go away when you lie down or walk, you are not in true labor. Real labor contractions will progress with or without the cooperation of the rest of your body, and continue even when you try to sleep or try to ignore them.

Does the baby become more active during contractions?

If you are in real labor, your baby's movement will slow down or stop during a contraction. However, his movements and activities are likely to intensify during Braxton-Hicks contractions. In general, if you notice your baby becoming more active during contractions, it means that you are not in real labor.

Where is the discomfort?

True labor contractions usually start in the lower back and move upward, often radiating to the chest, buttocks, and thighs. Practice contractions differ in that they are only felt in the front of the front of the abdomen or the lower part of the pelvis. Call your doctor or midwife if you notice that they are beginning to radiate to a wider area.

If your practice contractions are bothersome to you, these steps may relieve you of the discomforts, or may stop them entirely:

Drink some water.

Dehydration often causes Braxton-Hicks contractions, so make sure you are getting plenty of fluids. Drinking a few large glasses of water or juice can help to ease their intensity.

Rest.

Relaxation often helps to slow or stop practice contractions. Try taking a warm bubble bath or a nap. If these steps fail, a casual walk down the road may do the trick.

Urinate.

Practice contractions often start when a full bladder is pushing against the uterus. Frequent urination will prevent pressure from triggering contractions.

Abstain from Intercourse.

Many women find that Braxton-Hicks contractions become stronger or more frequent during or immediately after sex. If this is uncomfortable for you, temporary abstinence can help to prevent the contractions from occurring.

If you have any doubt about whether or not you are experiencing real labor, call your doctor or midwife. He or she can check for other signs of labor to determine if your contractions are working to dilate the cervix.