As the due date approaches, many expectant mothers become very anxious and sensitive. Even the slightest movement can be mistaken for labor, leading to a rush to the hospital only to find out it was a false alarm. These are actually Braxton Hicks contractions. So, how can you distinguish between true and false labor contractions?
What are Braxton Hicks contractions?
Braxton Hicks contractions, also known as false labor contractions, are occasional uterine contractions. Pregnant women typically experience these contractions several weeks before delivery. They are characterized by their irregular timing and varying intensity.
In reality, Braxton Hicks contractions may occur every ten minutes or more, or even once an hour or more, and the duration of each contraction varies, ranging from a few minutes to more than ten minutes. In the later stages of pregnancy, the frequency of Braxton Hicks contractions increases, but they differ from the regular contractions experienced during true labor.
3 symptoms to distinguish between true and false contractions
1. Different time intervals
False labor contractions are short-lived. True labor contractions last about 10 minutes each, accompanied by abdominal pain. The duration of the contractions gradually increases, to about 40-60 seconds each. The intensity also increases, and the intervals shorten to about 3-5 minutes each.
2. Different pain sensations
False labor contractions are weak, ranging from painless to mild discomfort, and are irregular, non-cyclical, and painless. True labor contractions, on the other hand, are a tight, pulling pain.
3. Different locations of pain
False labor contractions typically occur in the front, lower abdomen. True labor contractions typically occur in the lower abdomen and may also radiate to the lower back.
What to do when Braxton Hicks contractions occur?
Contractions usually begin about a month before delivery. Pregnant women can count the frequency of contractions. If there are about 10 contractions per hour, it is considered frequent and you should go to the hospital immediately. If the contractions are not frequent and there is no abdominal pain, rest is sufficient.
In addition, it is important to note that pregnant women should never take medication on their own, as this could harm the fetus.
Every pregnant woman experiences contractions, which can indeed cause pain. Expectant mothers must learn to distinguish between true and false contractions. If false contractions are accompanied by intense abdominal pain, such as pain that makes it difficult to sit or stand, or affects work and daily life, you should go to the hospital immediately.
