
Labor precautions and how to know the difference between true and false labor
Spring is approaching! The newness and fresh start of this season brings peace and warmth to the heart and soul. It reminds me of new green growth, flowers blooming, bird eggs waiting to hatch, and baby animals being born. It is a great time to celebrate birth. Many of you mommies are in your third trimester, nearing delivery, and labor/birth weigh heavy on your mind at this time.
“How will I know I am in labor?”
As the end of your pregnancy approaches, this might become a concern. That’s why it’s important to know the difference between aches/pains of pregnancy vs. Braxton Hicks contractions vs. real labor contractions.
Braxton Hicks Contractions
These are considered “practice” contractions. They can start as early as your second trimester, but more likely occur during your third trimester. Signs that you are having Braxton Hicks contractions (and not true labor) include:
Braxton Hicks contractions can be instigated by heavy maternal and fetal activity, a touch to your belly, a very full bladder that needs to be emptied, sexual intercourse, or dehydration.
Labor Contractions
Unlike musculoskeletal aches and pains of pregnancy, in labor you may feel a pain that may bring you to your knees that you can’t walk, talk or text through followed by COMPLETE relief in between contractions with the process repeating itself. You will feel so vastly different during a true labor contraction as compared to the time between contractions. This allows you be able to thus time the contractions (record the number of minutes from the start of one contraction to the start of the next contraction). It will not be like pains of pregnancy that hold a more constant underlying pain that waxes and wanes.
Labor may take a while to become regular. Signs of true labor can include:
The “5-1-1” rule…Go to the hospital if your contractions are less than 5 minutes apart, lasting 1 minute each, and continuing for more that 1 hour.
How long does labor last?
Everyone’s pregnancy and labor experience will be different. It may be faster and easier than you anticipated or longer and harder than you thought it would be. However, the following are general guidelines:
If you experience any of these symptoms, go to the hospital labor & delivery right away: