ppl tell me I'll know when the real thing is happening, but sometimes the BH can really mock labor as far as strength and consistency. From what I hear most women didn't have this problem. I'm going on 40 weeks now and tired of waking up not knowing if I should go to the hospital. My husband works a lot and it's taking a toll on him too.
2007-02-20 22:20:51 · 10 answers · asked by k 2 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Pregnancy
Braxton hicks can make you think you are in the early stages of labour.. I am 38+ weeks and sometimes they get so frequent and quite intense that i think.. "yes!! it's finally starting.." Only for it all to grind to a halt again. I know it is frustrating but i think you will know because they won't stop when they are real contractions, they will just keep coming and they will get stronger and stronger.. It is also confusing even with experience as this is my second.. I know i will know when the time comes though.. Good luck, and take care! Xx
2007-02-20 22:46:28 · answer #1 · answered by Charlie m 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Braxton Hicks are irregular and they usually stop shortly after you rest like sitting down or laying down. Real contractions are regular, they start then go away and come back again. They will be spread out and slowly get closer together and stronger. The rule of thumb is 10-5 min apart to go in to the hospital. But in your case I would say 20-25 min apart. If you think it is BH make sure to rest, if they don't stop, you should go in.
2016-05-24 01:35:10 · answer #2 · answered by Carmen 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sometimes you may throw up if it is true labor (but not always). Your contractions will become so strong that you will not be able to speak or walk during one. When your contractions begin, start walking. Braxton Hicks tend to go away with walking. If your contractions increase in strength and frequency, look at the clock. If you have at least 6 in an hour or they become 5-7 minutes apart, I would head in to the hospital.
2007-02-20 23:48:13 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
If you take a warm bath and relax and the contractions go away it is Braxton Hicks. Or you can try a warm heating pad wherever you feel the contractions as well. If they go away it is not the real thing. Also, the Braxton Hicks contractions is preparing your body for the real thing. Just look at it like a test drive. Good luck
2007-02-20 22:26:34 · answer #4 · answered by bufalo1501 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Real labor contractions feel like intense menstrual cramps, or the cramps you get before you take a huge dump, only multiply if by about 40x. Braxton Hicks feel like a sort of tightening sensation.
I know how frustrating it is to be told this yet again, but you will know the difference right away!
2007-02-20 23:28:01 · answer #5 · answered by kelly24592 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
i suffered from BH severly during my last pregnancy and the best advice i can offer is-its real once u hav BH and something else (such as a "show" or your waters break). i know how exhausting it can be, but youll b much worse if u rush to the hospital each time and they send u home. i know its probably not much comfort but just think, it cant be too far away now :) hope this helps
2007-02-20 23:42:32 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
It can be very difficult to tell. I learned there is no shame in going to the hospital, just to be discharged and discouraged. But you will find, as many do, that YES, you will definitely KNOW when it is no longer B.H. As others have mentioned, the cramps get very strong and purposeful, increasing and growing each time. They may even break your water, at which point just go to the hospital.
2007-02-20 23:19:25 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Experience.
2007-02-20 22:28:51 · answer #8 · answered by mo-b 3 · 0⤊ 2⤋
There comes a time when you KNOW it is the real thing. If you can, let your husband sleep until that moment.
Believe me, you WILL know.
2007-02-20 23:31:42 · answer #9 · answered by True Blue Brit 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
you'll know. trust me
2007-02-20 23:31:38 · answer #10 · answered by proud mommy of 2 lil boys 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋