strong braxton hicks, worried i wont recognize labor?

Question

ive been experiencing very strong braxton hicks contractions since about week 32. by strong i guess i mean painful. they have been in my belly, my back and my legs. anyways im just concerned that once labor starts, if my water doesnt "gush" or anything, im not gonna realize im actually in labor until further along. will it be really different than the false labor pains (crampy, tightening, achy, sharp) other than they will get stronger? trust me, my braxton hicks tend to start off slow, get stronger and last anywhere from 1 hour to 8 hours so im just worried about starting true labor and not realizing until its been active for a long time.

just so you know, ive already had my bloody show (last night during the night, pink tinged mucous), im dilated already and walking has never slowed down the braxton hicks, only makes them stronger especially after sex

Answer 1

I was really worried about this as well, but when I went into labor I discovered "Oh, this really is different!". The intensity of contractions, the timeliness of then, and when you really into about stage 2 labor, you'll find that you can't do a thing while the contraction is happening!

Answer 2

Oh honey - believe me, you'll know when you are having real active labor contractions. And being dilated already doesn't mean labor is imminent - for each of my children, I will 3cm dilated and 90% effaced for 6 weeks prior to my due date. I was 2 weeks overdue on the first (so 2 months of really great dilation) and had the bloody show/lost mucous plug well before labor proper started.

Keep in mind active labor does last a long time, so even if you'd 'missed' it for some reason, you'd still have plenty of time to get where you're going to have the baby. Also, my membranes did not rupture prior to onset of labor with either of my children - they were ruptured as baby was crowning.

Real contractions do get stronger, more intense, your abdomen will get much harder with each one and there will be consistency not found with BH contrax. They will also persist longer than the BH ones (meaning they're reach the peak later than with BH). They will also usually have a radiating pattern, a wave-like sensation. It will also feel like you have terrible gas/bloating and/or diarrhea cramps - only going to the bathroom doesn't relieve the discomfort.

** by the way - have all the sex you want - the prostaglandins in your husband's semen will help to ripen your cervix, you'll feel relaxed, the orgasm will help the contractions detensify, and believe me you're not going to be having ANY for quite a while after you have the baby - get all you can while you can (just not once your water breaks of course - not like you'll feel like it then).

Answer 3

I had Braxton Hicks contractions from the time I was 29 weeks until I finally went into labor at 36 weeks. Trust me you'll know the difference because the pain is much more intense.

Answer 4

You'll Know! I had a lot of braxton hicks too. My water did not gush at first. Ithough I was just wetting on myself. Then it gushed, but if you seem to be constantly peeing on yourself or intermittently , that is probably your water. Labor pains are different from braxton hicks. You generally feel a lot of pressure and they become more regular. They are different. They are like a surge around your body that intensify. Think about the worst period cramps ever then add pressure in your crotch and butt like you cannot imagine. The they slowly ease off. They only last for about a minute.
Okay, just read your update, hello don't have sex, go to the hospital or your doctor!!!!

Answer 5

You'll know. I used to have really bad braxton hicks contractions especially with my first to the point I would be doubled over in the floor. When your real contractions hit you will feel it in places you never knew you would. You'll just know.Besides even if you don't recognize labor starting, it takes awhile to have a 1st baby at LEAST 5 hours many moms are at it for over 16hrs before the baby comes so if you don't run off to the hospital on the 1st contraction you'll be fine. It's actually better to labor at home and go to the hospital when you can't stand it anymore anyway.

Answer 6

Real contractions:

Contractions intensify with activity or change of position.

Pain begins in the lower back and spreads to the abdomen; it may also radiate to the legs. The contractions may feel like gas upset and may be accompanied by diarrhea.

Contractions become more frequent and painful, and, sometimes, more regular. (This varies with women. Not every contraction will necessarily be more painful or longer, but it is the general rule.)

Show is present and pinkish or blood-streaked.



Braxton Hicks Contractions:

Contractions are not regular or don't increase in frequency.

The pain is in the lower abdomen rather than the lower back.

Contractions abate when the woman walks or changes position.

"Show" is brown rather than pink.

Fetal movements become stronger with contractions. (This could signal fetal distress.)

Answer 7

You actually dont have to have any bloody show or lose your mucus plug or break your water... When I went into labor. I just got contractions and SEVERE DIAREA ( I guess it was a way for my body to clense itself so I didnt have an accident on the baby)

My contractions hurt in my belly back and legs. in my belly it felt like REALLY BAD stomach aches like the ones you get when you have diahrea and they were so sharp. I would go get check out.... So the contractions can start anytime..

If they catch them intime they can stop the labor ( as long as your water does not break).

Answer 8

I had the same fears, I think it was more anticipation than anything, and when my water did break, it didnt gush like, it merely trickeled out. Your contractions will get closer and closer unlike braxton hicks, at least this is how it was for me. When the time comes you will know. = ) Good luck

Answer 9

real labor contractions come in equal time factors, like every 10 minutes, or every 5. braxton hicks will come and go like you will get one, and another might come in 10 minutes and another one will come in 30 minutes. dont worry, real labor contractions are always equally spread apart. congrats and good luck!

Answer 10

I called the doc with every concern with my last pregnancy. Go in all they will do is send you home if you're not in labor. Also you are far enough along to have a perfectly healthy baby now.