Oh! Baby!

The beginning of labor is different for every woman, and every pregnancy!

How can you tell the difference between your body's "practice contractions" known as Braxton Hicks, and The Big Show? Braxton Hicks contractions can sometimes be very difficult to differentiate from real labor, and sometimes can only be determined by a vaginal exam. The main difference is Braxton Hicks contractions will not dilate your cervix or help baby drop lower into the pelvis in preparation for birth as true labor will. Remember, if there is any doubt, call your caregiver or hospital.

Some basic differences between the two:

• Braxton Hicks contractions may subside after you drink a couple glasses of water, empty your bladder, and lie on your left side for an hour or two. True labor will persist after these interventions.
  
• Usually Braxton Hicks will remain irregular and short, true labor contractions may begin as irregular contractions, but will become more regular, longer, closer together, and stronger with time.
• In true labor, contractions may become stronger while walking, and do not cease while resting. Braxton Hicks contractions will not be affected by walking, and resting might make them stop.
• You may feel nauseated, have diarrhea, or vomit with true labor. With Braxton Hicks you will not.
• There may be bloody show in true labor as your cervix dilates, this won't be present with Braxton Hicks unless you have had a recent vaginal exam.
• Braxton Hicks contractions are often felt in the top of the uterus or in the groin area. True labor often starts in the lower back and radiates to the front.

How To Time Your Contractions:

First write down the time at the beginning of one contraction and again at the beginning of the next. The time between actually includes the contraction itself, and the time in between contractions. So if your contraction lasts 60 seconds, and there are four minutes until the next one, your contractions are 5 minutes apart.

A good rule of thumb:

• First time mom's should come to the hospital or call their caregiver (if a home birth) when contractions reach three to five minutes apart for a full hour.
• For veteran moms, come to the hospital when your contractions have been five to seven minutes apart for a full hour.

Most mothers are more comfortable spending the beginning part of labor at home, rather than in the hospital. However, if at any time you feel you need to be checked out by the hospital or your caregiver do so! Don't be embarrassed or upset if you are told you're having 'false labor', or are in the very early stages of labor. That baby will arrive eventually, I promise!