Labor and Delivery (cont.)
What Do Braxton Hicks Contractions Feel Like?
Braxton Hicks contractions can be described as tightening in the abdomen that
comes and goes. These contractions do not get closer together, do not increase
with walking, do not increase in how long they last and do not feel stronger
over time as they do when you are in true labor.
How Do I Know When I am in True Labor?
To figure out if the contractions you are feeling are the real thing, ask yourself the following questions.
| Contraction Characteristics |
False Labor |
True Labor |
| How often do the contractions occur? |
Contractions are often irregular and do not get closer together |
Contractions come at regular intervals and last about 30-70 seconds. As time goes on, they get closer together. |
| Do they change with movement? |
Contractions may stop when you walk or rest, or may even stop if you change positions |
Contractions continue despite movement or changing positions |
| How strong are they? |
Contractions are usually weak and do not get much stronger. Or they may be strong at first and then get weaker. |
Contractions steadily increase in strength |
| Where do you feel the pain? |
Contractions are usually only felt in the front of the abdomen or pelvic region |
Contractions usually start in the lower back and move to the front of the abdomen |
How Do I Know When to Come to the Hospital?
When you think you are in true labor, start timing your contractions. To do
this, write down the time each contraction starts and stops. The time between
contractions includes the length or duration of the contraction and the minutes
in between the contractions (called the interval).
Mild contractions generally begin 15 to 20 minutes apart and last 60 to 90
seconds. The contractions become more regular until they are less than 5 minutes
apart. Active labor (the time you should come into the hospital) is usually
characterized by strong contractions that last 45 to 60 seconds and occur 3 to 4
minutes apart.
Next: What can I do to relieve pain associated with labor? »
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