Braxton hicks should i worry

Time to give birth or a false alarm? Learn the early signs of labor, how to tell if it's true labor or false labor, and what happens when labor starts for real. Photo credit: Nathan Haniger for BabyCenter. What is labor? Early signs that indicate labor is near Signs of labor What is preterm labor? Am I in labor? When to go to the hospital for labor.

Early signs that indicate labor is near In the final days or weeks before your due date , you may notice one or more signs that labor is near. Still, here are some of the early signs that labor may be near: Baby has dropped If this is your first pregnancy, you may feel what's known as lightening a few weeks before labor starts. If this isn't your first baby, however, lightening may not happen until labor begins.

Loss of the mucus plug If your cervix begins to efface or dilate significantly as you get close to labor, you may pass your mucus plug — the small amount of thickened mucus that has collected within your cervical canal during your pregnancy.

You have some "bloody show" You may have noticed more vaginal discharge during pregnancy, thanks to your body's increased estrogen. Cervix has started to efface and dilate In the days and weeks before delivery, changes in the connective tissue of your cervix make it soften and lead to dilation and effacement when your cervix thins and opens.

Braxton Hicks contractions You may have experienced Braxton Hicks contractions throughout your pregnancy. Signs of labor Labor usually occurs sometime between 38 and 41 weeks. While early signs that labor may be approaching aren't at all clear or dependable, these are reliable signs that you're in real labor: Contractions When your uterus contracts, your abdomen feels tight or hard, and you have a sensation of cramping.

Back pain If you're having lower back pain along with contractions, it may be a signal that you're having back labor. Your water breaks When the fluid-filled amniotic sac surrounding your baby ruptures, fluid leaks from your vagina. What is preterm labor? Still, call your doctor or midwife right away if you're having any of the following symptoms before 37 weeks: More vaginal discharge than usual A change in the type of discharge — if you're leaking watery fluid or your discharge becomes watery, mucus-like, or bloody even if it's pink or just tinged with blood Any vaginal bleeding or spotting Abdominal pain, menstrual-like cramping, or six or more contractions in one hour even if they don't hurt More pressure in the pelvic area a feeling that your baby is pushing down Low back pain , especially if it's dull or rhythmic, or you didn't previously have back pain Your water breaks, either in a gush or a trickle If you are — or might be — in preterm labor, your doctor or midwife may give you medications to help your baby's lungs mature, and to protect their brain.

This chart outlines differences between true and false labor contractions. False labor contractions Braxton Hicks True labor contractions Timing Are irregular and don't get closer together over time Happen at regular intervals and get closer together over time Length Vary in length and don't get longer over time fewer than 30 seconds or up to 2 minutes each Start to last longer with each contraction about 30 to 70 seconds each Intensity Are weak and don't get stronger with time may be weak then strong, then weak again Grow stronger and more painful with each contraction Location Are felt at the front of the abdomen May start in the back and move to the front, or radiate down into the thighs Effect of moving or resting Contractions stop when you change position, walk, or rest Contractions continue even when you change position, walk, or rest No matter how well informed you are about the signs of labor, it's normal to have a false alarm.

Sources BabyCenter's editorial team is committed to providing the most helpful and trustworthy pregnancy and parenting information in the world.

Featured video. Natural ways to induce labor. Cervical dilation and effacement. When is my baby likely to drop? What does labor feel like? Moms describe. Braxton Hicks contractions. Losing your mucus plug. Membrane stripping: How it's done and what it's like. New to BabyCenter? Join now. Password Forgot your password? Keep me logged in. Log in. Get the BabyCenter app. Download now. See all in Getting Pregnant. Napping Ages 2 to 3 See all in Child. There is a total of 5 error s on this form, details are below.

Please enter your name Please enter your email Your email is invalid. Please check and try again Please enter recipient's email Recipient's email is invalid. Please check and try again Agree to Terms required. Thank you for sharing our content. A message has been sent to your recipient's email address with a link to the content webpage. Your name: is required Error: This is required.

Your email: is required Error: This is required Error: Not a valid value. Send to: is required Error: This is required Error: Not a valid value. What are Braxton Hicks contractions? What do they feel like?

When do you get them? How are Braxton Hicks contractions different from labour pain? Contact your doctor or midwife immediately if: you feel pain, pressure or discomfort in your pelvis, abdomen or lower back the contractions become stronger, closer together and more regular there is fluid leaking or gushing from your vagina If you are full-term, you may choose to wait until a bit later in your labour, depending on what you have arranged with your doctor or midwife.

How can I ease the discomfort? Many women report having more of these contractions later in the day when they are tired or haven't had enough to drink. If you're having lots of Braxton Hicks contractions, don't stop your normal activities, but do make sure you stay well hydrated and take some time to get off your feet during the day. Understanding Braxton Hicks contractions during pregnancy - when they occur, what they're like, and how to relieve them, as well as how your true labor contractions will differ - can help you interpret what is occurring in your body, and when it's really time to go to the hospital or call your OB doctor.

As with most all pregnancy matters, Braxton Hicks contractions are different for every woman. All pregnant women experience these contractions but not all expecting mothers are aware they occur. Some women don't feel any kind of contraction until delivery day, and that is completely normal. You don't need to worry if you haven't felt any warm-up contractions.

Many women, however, do feel their Braxton Hicks contractions, usually any time after the week marker of pregnancy. While some women feel them this early, others may not experience any until the later weeks of pregnancy.

In second and third pregnancies, some mothers say they're Braxton Hicks contractions start earlier. Braxton Hicks contractions often begin very mildly, feeling like a tightening sensation across the uterus. They may become stronger in the later weeks of pregnancy. If you arrive at the hospital in false labor, don't feel embarrassed or frustrated.

Think of it as a practice run. The real thing is likely on its way. Amy Brien, M. Request an Appointment Patient Online Services. Plainview Red Wing Sherburn St. James St. Peter Waseca Waterville Wells Zumbrota. Iowa Decorah Lake Mills. View map. Posted By. Here are answers to 5 common questions about Braxton Hicks contractions: 1. What do Braxton Hicks contractions feel like?