Some mothers actually begin to feel Braxton Hicks contractions earlier during their pregnancies. This does not mean that pre labor or false labor is going to occur early in the pregnancy, and cause premature labor. The Braxton Hicks contractions only help to prepare, or exercise, the uterus for labor and delivery.
A Braxton Hicks contraction, which tightens the muscles of the uterus, usually lasts only 30-60 seconds long. As pregnancy progresses, the Braxton Hicks contractions tend to get more intense and even painful. When the contractions become rhythmic they are often referred to as false labor. Sometimes light activity, such as loading groceries or sweeping will cause the Braxton Hicks contractions to come more frequently.
Braxton Hicks contractions, later in a pregnancy, will often turn into pre labor contractions. During pre labor, the contractions work to efface and dilate the cervix in preparation for labor and delivery. The contractions also work to soften the cervix. The more work done during prelabor, the shorter the mother's labor tends to be.
It is sometimes difficult to distinguish false labor from true labor. During false labor, contractions will come frequently, but will not progress, and eventually stop. Also, if the mother switches positions or soaks in a warm bath, the false labor contractions will often come to a sudden stop. During true labor, the contractions will continue to progress and will become regular over time.
During a Braxton Hicks contraction, the tightening is centered around the abdomen. During true labor, the tightening will occur in the abdomen, but, the pain is centered mostly in the lower back. Timing the contractions is the easiest way to decipher if it is true labor. If the contractions continue in a steady pattern and increase in intensity, it is important to call the
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