As you enter your third trimester, you may experience occasional squeezing or tightening across your abdomen. This sensation, known as Braxton-Hicks contractions, may become stronger and more frequent.
Understanding the difference between these "practice" contractions and true labor contractions is essential for knowing when it’s time to head to the hospital.
What are Contractions?
The uterus is a large muscle, and a Braxton-Hicks contraction is an irregular, involuntary flexing of that muscle — a gentle workout to prepare it for the hard work of labor. True labor contractions, on the other hand, are the real deal — powerful, regular, and increasingly intense.
What do Contractions Feel Like?
True contractions that kick off labor tend to be felt much lower and deeper. Many women describe them as a strong pulling around the vagina that rises toward the pubic bone. True contractions may be intense yet rarely exceed one minute. In real labor, you usually see a pink- or red-tinged plug of mucus from the cervix, the "bloody show".
True Labor Contractions:
- Regular and predictable
- Become stronger, longer, and closer together over time
- Felt in the lower back, abdomen, and sometimes the thighs
- Do not subside with rest or hydration
- Lead to cervical changes (dilation and effacement)
Timing Contractions
When you think you’re experiencing true labor contractions, start timing them. Here’s what to track:
- Frequency: How far apart your contractions are — the time from the start of one contraction to the start of the next one.
- Duration: How long each contraction lasts — the time from the start of one contraction to the end of the same contraction.
What Are Braxton-Hicks Contractions?
As you near the end of your pregnancy, you may wonder how you can tell the difference between a Braxton-Hicks contraction and a true labor contraction.
Braxton-Hicks Contractions:
- Do not increase in intensity or frequency
- Irregular and unpredictable
- Often felt as a tightening or hardening of the abdomen
- May be more noticeable after increased activity or dehydration
- Usually subside with rest and hydration
Tip: If you think you’re in labor, try drinking four to six glasses of water and lying on your left side. Braxton-Hicks contractions will usually calm down, while true labor contractions will increase in frequency and strength.
Other Signs Labor is Near
Besides contractions, other signs may indicate that labor is approaching:
- Lightening: The baby "drops" lower into your pelvis, which can make breathing easier but increase pressure on your bladder.
- Loss of Mucus Plug: A thick plug of mucus that has sealed the cervix during pregnancy is expelled. It may be clear, pink, or slightly bloody.
- Diarrhea: As your body prepares for labor, your bowels may loosen.
- Sudden Burst of Energy (Nesting Instinct): An urge to clean, organize, or prepare for the baby's arrival.
When to Be Concerned
Call your doctor or midwife immediately if any of these occur. It could mean something is not right, and you need help right away:
- Bleeding from nipples, rectum, bladder, or coughing up blood
- Any bleeding from your vagina
- Swelling of hands or face
- Changes or blurring of vision
- Severe or continuous headaches that are not relieved by Tylenol®
- Chills or fever over 100.4 °F (38 °C)
- Stomach pains that do not go away after heat and rest or after a bowel movement
- Throwing up for 24 hours
- Painful or burning urination
- Your baby stops moving
- Fluid coming out of your vagina
Navigating Early Labor
During early labor, stay home as long as possible. Conserve your energy and try to relax. Here are some tips:
- Rest and take short naps.
- Drink clear fluids to stay hydrated.
- Eat light, easily digestible foods.
- Take a warm bath or shower.
- Walk around to help labor progress.
- Use relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing, visualization, or massage.
Final Thoughts
Knowing the signs of labor and when to seek medical attention is essential for a safe and positive birth experience. Pay attention to your body, communicate with your healthcare provider, and trust your instincts.
