Real Contractions vs Braxton Hicks. How to Know the Difference.

 

Usually, moms-to-be don’t know the difference between Braxton hicks and real contractions. Being able to distinguish between a real contraction and a Braxton Hicks is not very easy, especially for first time moms who don’t know the difference or what to expect. As an ultrasound technician I see that all the time. For that reason, I decided to do this article, here I am going to tell you everything you need to know about Real Contractions vs Braxton Hicks. How to Know the Difference so you can be prepared. Ready? Let’s begin.

Real Contractions vs Braxton Hicks. How to Know the Difference.

What are Braxton Hicks contractions?

False contractions, or Braxton Hicks, are the feelings your uterus creates in preparation for birth. Braxton Hicks are something your doctor will probably tell you about and tell you not to worry about. Pregnant women who are at risk of early labor or who have other health risk factors throughout pregnancy frequently worry that they won’t be able to tell the difference between actual contractions and Braxton Hicks.

Braxton Hicks contractions can be thought of as your uterus exercising to get ready for labor. These contractions, in contrast to true contractions, are milder and can last for up to 30 seconds. Braxton Hicks are uterine contractions that occur more on the sides than in the front. It may be difficult to tell if your tummy is tightening from the top down or just on the sides because of how tight the belly already feels.

Although Braxton Hicks contractions may occur repeatedly, they are not regular and do not build in intensity. When they do show up, it’s completely at random. Most women learn to expect Braxton Hicks contractions at specific times of day or when they’re under particular stress. Most women experience a worsening of false contractions during physical exercise or fatigue. Braxton Hicks can be exacerbated by prolonged sitting, and they seem to occur more frequently in the nights.

Braxton Hicks will have a distinct experience for each woman because to individual differences in sensitivity to contractions and other abdominal symptoms (such as gas, bloating, under-rib aches, and stretching). False contractions often manifest as a dull, painless pressure in the upper abdomen. It’s great that you’re perceptive enough to realize that your cramps are coming from the sides of your uterus. No need to panic if that’s the case, is just a Braxton Hicks.

What are Real Contractions? How do They Feel Like?

When the cervix is compressed because of cramping in the upper uterus, this is a true contraction. Initially, this causes the cervix to constrict, but it ultimately causes it to open up. Most pregnant women would want a short labor to ensure a healthy delivery. In cases when early labor poses a threat, however, it is important to get familiar with the signs of true contractions. Some of the distinguishing characteristics of a Real contraction are as follows:

1. You Might Start Feeling Pain:

True contractions hurt, however each woman experiences pain differently, the pain might start by being very mild and it will start to build up. Real contractions tend to start with a crampy feeling as if you are having a bowel movement, that cramping then starts to feel like cramps, just like the cramps of the first days of the period, followed finally by lower back pain.

2. Low Pressure in the Pelvis:

The sensation of pressure in the lower abdomen and pelvic region is not often associated with false contractions. However, if you experience what seems like internal pelvic pressure in addition to the contractions, it’s a sign that you actually are in labor.

3. Regular Recurrence or Rhythmic:

Real contractions occur more than five or six times every hour. In most cases, true contractions occur every 9-11 minutes and gradually decrease in interval to occur every 8-5 minutes.

4. Effect on the uterine cervix:

The cervix does open and close in response to contractions during actual labor, this is the reason why real contractions feels a bit more intense than Braxton Hicks.

5. You Might Experience Other Signs of labor, Including Bleeding:

Assume the contractions are the real deal if they occur alongside the other signs of labor, among those other signs you’ll have abnormal bleeding.

5. Real Contractions Don’t Go Away:

Even if you change positions, rest, drink water or walk. Real contractions will continue to worsen over time, and they will not go away. If you find that resting doesn’t alleviate your contractions, it’s time to pack up the baby’s necessities and travel to the hospital! If you are still in your second trimester or the beginning of the third trimester, is time to call your doctor and let them know.

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What is the Difference Between Real Contractions vs Braxton Hicks?

Here is how you can know the difference between them.

• Timing: You won’t see a pattern in how often your Braxton Hicks contractions occur after 20 or 15 minutes. However, once the true contractions start, they will most surely repeat every 15-20 minutes.
• Consistency: Assuming you lie down and rest for around 20 to 30 minutes, a Braxton hick contraction should stop. If you urinate and drink some water, you’ll feel better too. However, a rest break won’t stop a Real contraction from continuing or intensifying.
• Lower Abdominal Pain: With Real contractions, women may have mild, period-like cramping, or intense discomfort in the lower abdomen. Braxton Hicks can create discomfort, especially if you’re already feeling sensations behind your ribcage or in your back, which is common throughout pregnancy. But there is a difference between the intensity of that lower abdominal pain, being the Real contractions the most intense.
• Lower Back pain: Some women report acute, lower back discomfort during Real contractions. The contraction pains will be more severe and noticeable if you have chronic lower back pain.
• Duration: In most cases Braxton Hicks last less than 30 seconds, they are mainly short in duration and random, but Real labor contraction and pains often last longer than 60 seconds. The same goes for the pain sensation, regardless of the pain level.

When Should You Call a doctor?

When you’re at your full term, the frequency and intensity of your Braxton Hicks contractions will increase. There are, however, a few rules of thumb that might help you tell the difference between true contractions and Braxton Hicks. Although these principles are broad, every doctor practices their own procedures and tailors them to every unique pregnancy. Your doctor will give you varied advice depending on the circumstances of your pregnancy. If you had a normal pregnancy with no complications, for instance, he or she would give you different advice than they would with a high-risk pregnancy.

When any of the following occur, it’s time to pack up your bags and go the hospital.

• There is a regular cycle of contractions that occurs every 15 minutes.
• The frequency with which contractions recur is one of the primary distinctions between true contractions and Braxton Hicks contractions. With Braxton Hicks, you might have three or four contractions in one hour and then none for the next twelve. Real contractions in the other hand happens closer apart, with a rhythmic pattern.
• True contractions cause cramping that lasts for more than two to three hours. On the contrary, its intensity grows. After two hours, if your contractions seem to be growing more frequent or severe, you should seek medical attention.
• The muscles in your lower stomach are tightening. In most cases, the upper abdominal region experiences Braxton Hicks (above your hips). However, contractions in the lower abdomen that are accompanied by discomfort are probably related to Real contractions.
• Having a contraction is an unpleasant experience. When they do occur, Braxton Hicks contractions are usually not uncomfortable. They often manifest as a dull ache in the upper back or stomach. A solid indicator that the contractions you’re experiencing are real is discomfort, especially if it’s concentrated in your lower belly.
• Additional symptoms are present. You require medical attention if you have nausea, vomiting, a high body temperature, or high blood pressure. Labor is not necessarily signaled by contractions alone, although they usually do occur alongside other labor indicators.

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Final Thoughts about Real Contractions vs Braxton Hicks. How to Know the Difference.

If you aren’t yet in labor but worry about missing the first signals of a premature birth, you have good reason to be anxious. Contrary to popular belief, most women know that Braxton Hicks contractions are mild in comparison to actual labor pains. You may be confident in your ability to recognize genuine contractions and know the difference. Feel free to call your midwife or doctor with any remaining concerns you may have.

Zadi, XOXO

Disclaimer: The medical information on this post is for educational and entertainment use only. Under no circumstances, this information is to replace your doctor’s advice or to treat any disease. For proper care, always visit your doctor.

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