This question is silly, but I have to ask. I'm 33 weeks with my first baby, and I have alot of braxton hicks contractions and achiness in my body in the past few weeks. How will I know when I am in labor? It's not something that I could miss, is it? I mean when it happens, I will for sure know, correct? I keep having dreams that I am in labor and have no idea.
2007-01-23 07:58:36 · 18 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Newborn & Baby
I just gave birth to my son three months ago...lol uh and there's no mistaking it.
Braxton Hicks is one thing (BH is a joke)...Labor...is another...it's a whole different feeling...
The Braxton Hicks for me were very localized...like there would be a sharp pain in one spot...kinda period crampy
When they broke my water at the hospital and my real labor started...it felt like my whole body was contracting...I just wanted to curl into a ball around my belly...
I can't even say that true labor was "painful" until oh...I don't know...about the 7th hour...that was bad...the 10th too...oh ya and the 14th...that one was tough too...lol but in the beginning it felt like bad period cramps and pressure making you want to curl up...
There's no mistaking it...
I was afraid of the same thing ..I'm a first time mom too...lol...there was absolutely no need to do all that worrying...unless you have a precipitous labor (real fast labor) ...you wont' be walking around Target and drop the kid out without knowing it...lol You'll know when labor starts ...FOR SURE.
Good luck sweetie and congratulations!
2007-01-23 08:07:50 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
There will be NO DOUBT in your mind when the real contractions start!! You won't be able to walk unlike with the Braxton Hicks. With the BH, you can still move around, eat snacks, etc. Here's a good way to tell..when you start to feel some real pressure "down there"...think about your most favorite snack in the whole wide world. Imagine if someone offered it to you at that very moment. If you do not want it at that moment and can't even concentrate on it, then you are in true labor. Best wishes and congratulations!!!
2007-01-23 08:06:30 · answer #2 · answered by vroom1100 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
oh yes. you will FORSURE know when you're in labor.
those braxton hicks you've been feeling are NOTHING compaired to the real deal.
the best way i can describe labor contractions is like really really bad intense menstural cramps that hurt all over. like in your lower back and upper legs as well.
if you think that you're having really bad contractions but you're not sure if they're braxton hicks or real, try switching activities, drinking some water, or having a bite to eat. braxton hicks stop when you change your activity while labor contractions keep coming closer and closer and more intense regardless of what you're doing.
2007-01-23 08:07:34 · answer #3 · answered by h0ckeyl0ver 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Sometimes it's doesn't hurt that much. It's steady cramping in the lower abs or back. You will know because the timing will be right on. The time between each one will be constant or getting closer together. If you have some at irregular times or some closer and then far apart, those are not real contractions. The average labor is 10 hours. Just make sure you make it to the hospital if your water breaks or your having severe cramping.
2007-01-23 08:04:12 · answer #4 · answered by cracker2423 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
When you're in actual labor the contractions will be constant, they will become more painful, and they will get closer together.
BH contractions are not constant, they will not get closer together and they won't become more and more painful. They will stop or ease up if you change positions or move around the room, whereas a real labor contraction will not ease up or stop if you move around or change positions.
Don't worry, when you're in labor, you'll know it. You may not know, however, when you're in the early stages of labor because the contractions may feel like light cramping or back pain that you may not pay attention to. Labor doesn't ease up, though, so there will be no doubt about it!
2007-01-23 08:05:06 · answer #5 · answered by eurekablyth 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Don't feel bad for asking this question. My water broke so I knew whether or not I was in labor I had to have my baby that day. But I really did not get strong contractions on my own. My doctor had to "put" me in labor which was not too bad. If your water breaks (which is unmistakable) you are in labor. If you start to feel stronger period type cramps that feel like pressure and then go away that are rhythmic (come and go pretty regularly) you are in labor. With your first baby I doubt you will have your baby accidentally at home.
2007-01-27 03:31:19 · answer #6 · answered by raysangel1973 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well, when your braxton hicks contractions reach about every five minutes for one hour (and persist or worsen even with movement) you are probaby in labor. My doctor told me to come in if my contractions reached five minute intervals but some recommend waiting until 3 minutes or so... You might expel your mucus plug or your water may break- in any of these cases contact your triage nurse for evaluating.
2007-01-23 08:13:11 · answer #7 · answered by Miss Taryn 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's not a silly question especially since you are a first timer. I think you'll know when you are in labor. Your contractions will get worse and even if it is early you will probably want to go to the hospital where they will either confirm labor or send you home to wait longer. Good luck!!
2007-01-23 08:02:34 · answer #8 · answered by ojibwechik 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You will know, the pain will intensify and contractions becaome closer together and sometimes your water breaks first, but you will know when your in labor there is no mistaking it. YOu r stomach get really tight and hard nothing like braxton hicks.
2007-01-23 08:02:58 · answer #9 · answered by Jody 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
the mucus plug will come out, it looks like a blob of clear jelly. Or your water will break, or your contractions will start..You'll know when the contractions start because they keep coming for hours and hours.
it will be really harsh for about 2-3 minutes then stop and come back again. and again and again..Dont worry, You'll know.
It wont feel the same as braxton hicks.
2007-01-23 08:03:22 · answer #10 · answered by Laurellamags 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋