How do you know the difference between braxton hicks contractions and real labor?

Question

I have hurt for about a week now nonstop. A couple of nights ago I hurt so bad I couldn't hardly breath. My contractions were lasting about a minute a peice and but were irregular...5 min then 10 min then 3 min then 15 min. apart. I hurt from 8 pm to 3am. Around 1am they finally became regular about every 4 to 6 min apart but as time went on they became lighter. I am now hurting in my lower back and bottom of my stomach really bad lastin about a min. about every 6 to 10 min. I'm just anxious, confused, tired and ready to have this baby. I am over due by 3 days..please help

Since my question I have had a bloody show and contractions from 3 to six minutes apart. It is now 3 hours later almost and I called the doctor. They said I could come in if I wanted but they would send me back home if they didn't think I was in true labor. (which i understand) but I live almost 45 in to an hour from the hospital..you would think with me being over due they would keep me. So i'm just trying to keep my mind occupied and wait another hour or so and just hope. Thanks for all of your comments

Answer 1

First what u do is drink a glass of water and put your feet up. If they stop they r hicks. If they do not go away, count the time between them and count how long they last. I got loads of hicks from being dehydrated and made 5 trips to the er only to be fed water. Congrats and good luck. (hint have sex to thin the cervix and walk tons to get labor goin!)

Answer 2

Braxton Hicks contractions are not regular. They are not generally painful (but can be) BH will go away with a change in activity (if you are active, rest, if you are resting become active) If they are BH they will go away. If you have more than 6 contraction in an hour you are likely in labor. If the contractions develop a pattern and begin to become harder and closer together you are in labor. BH contractions do not usually generate pain into the back.
I have reread your post and it is likely that you are beginning to dilate and in the early stages of labor. Don't get too excited however, this on again off again pattern can last for days and though I am sure you don't want to hear it, maybe even weeks.
Time will tell. HTH and good luck.

Answer 3

Hi, sorry to hear you are overdue. I wouldn't worry about the contractions till you are regular or if your water breaks. Im assuming if it doesn't come out soon, you doctor will induce labor for you. But it sounds like you may be in for a rough labor. I suggest getting the epidural when it does decide to come out. Makes it alot easier.

Braxton hicks are irregular contractions that may stop with a different activity. if your laying down get up and walk around see if it helps. True labor is when your contractions are regular.

But if the contractions don't go away, just go to the birthing center. Even if they aren't real labor. They aren't going to send you home beings you are over due...they might induce it right then and there.

Good luck hun. REMEMBER: epidural :) trust me it helps no pain :)

Answer 4

Sounds like it could be real contractions this time. I will say that you might get some people saying taht You'll just know when it's real labor. It's very possible you may not. With my first I was in labor for 6 hrs thinking it was just bad gas(which I had alot) until I realized my 'gas pains" were coming 5 minutes apart. lol If you are unsure at all call your doc or midwife, that's what they are there for.

Answer 5

Well, to be honest with you, I couldn't much tell the difference. I had two false labors cause the braxton hicks' were SO intense I didn't know??? So, you being 3 days past due, I'd just go in and have them check you if you're not sure. That's all you can do. Good luck during child birth, I hope everything goes as smoothly as possible!

Answer 6

I went in the process an identical good undertaking. each woman is diverse with their contractions. Mine have been extreme ... i grow to be at a 2 from the time i grow to be 7 months alongside and my braxton hicks have been approximately 4 minutes aside in the process the evenings. in case you lay down, or take a bathtub and that they sluggish, then it is not actual contractions. My well being care expert pronounced taking a benadryl at night to assist me sleep considering I had those each night and that they have got been continually fake hard artwork pains. i extremely empathize with you. they're painful wether they're the actual deal or not. i finished up having to be brought on, yet as quickly as i began out going into my transport technique, i grow to be pleased about the Braxton Hicks, because of the fact they made hard artwork look basic whilst in comparison with them. My hard artwork grow to be much less of a discomfort than my contractions each considered being haha. only attempt to loosen up as maximum suitable as you are able to. in the event that they sluggish and unfold further aside, you have not something to tension approximately (different than the discomfort) stable luck. And congratulations to you.

Answer 7

Somebody's havin a baaaaby!

Sounds like you're having labor contractions. When was the last time you had a visit to your ob/gyn or midwife? After all of these contractions (even though they were irregular) I'm willing to bet you've dilated since your last check-up.

Please call your doctor or midwife and go to the L&D ward at the hospital where you'll be delivering!

Answer 8

With Braxton Hicks (false labor) the pains will subside if you lay on your left side. Prop yourself up with pillows and relax as much as possible.
I would say that your cervix is thinning and it won't be long now. Try to rest as much as possible because when the time comes you will need your strength. They don't call it labor for nothing.
Good Luck.

Answer 9

sounds like the real thing. Call your OB at let him know what's going on, he may ask you to come in for a check up and see if you dilated. You are almost there honey, is anytime now. Good luck and congratulations...call your DR!!!

Answer 10

You should go to the doctor's right away & find out if you have dialated. You should be going into labor any minute. Good luck!