Quick Reference
Use this guide alongside your contraction timer to better understand what you're experiencing. When in doubt, always contact your healthcare provider.
Braxton Hicks Contractions (Practice Contractions)
Braxton Hicks contractions are often called "practice contractions" because they help your uterus prepare for labor. They typically start in the second trimester and become more noticeable as your due date approaches.
Braxton Hicks Characteristics
What They Feel Like:
- • Tightening sensation across the belly
- • Uncomfortable but not painful
- • Belly becomes hard then relaxes
- • May feel like menstrual cramps
Timing Pattern:
- • Irregular timing and intensity
- • Don't get stronger over time
- • May stop with movement or rest
- • Usually last 30-60 seconds
Managing Braxton Hicks
- • Change positions or take a walk
- • Drink water to stay hydrated
- • Take a warm bath
- • Practice breathing techniques
- • Rest if you've been active
Early Labor Contractions
Early labor contractions are the real deal - they're working to dilate your cervix and are different from Braxton Hicks in several key ways.
Early Labor Characteristics
What They Feel Like:
- • Menstrual-like cramping
- • Lower back pain that radiates forward
- • Pressure in pelvis
- • Gradually increasing intensity
Timing Pattern:
- • Regular pattern develops
- • 5-20 minutes apart initially
- • Last 30-70 seconds
- • Don't stop with movement
What to Do During Early Labor
- • Start timing contractions - Use your contraction timer
- • Rest and conserve energy
- • Eat light snacks and stay hydrated
- • Take a shower or bath for comfort
- • Contact your healthcare provider when contractions are regular
Active Labor Contractions
Active labor contractions are intense and work to fully dilate your cervix. This is when most people head to the hospital or birthing center.
Active Labor Characteristics
What They Feel Like:
- • Strong, intense pain
- • Peaks and valleys pattern
- • Radiates from back to front
- • Difficult to talk through
Timing Pattern:
- • 3-5 minutes apart
- • Last 45-90 seconds
- • Consistent and regular
- • Get stronger over time
The 5-1-1 Rule for Hospital Timing
Head to the hospital when contractions are:
Comparison Chart
| Aspect | Braxton Hicks | Early Labor | Active Labor |
|---|---|---|---|
| Timing | Irregular | 5-20 min apart | 3-5 min apart |
| Duration | 30-60 seconds | 30-70 seconds | 45-90 seconds |
| Intensity | Mild to moderate | Moderate | Strong to intense |
| Pattern | No clear pattern | Becoming regular | Very regular |
| Location | Front of belly | Back and front | Wraps around body |
| Response to Movement | Often stops | Continues | Continues/intensifies |
When to Start Timing
Not every contraction needs to be timed, but knowing when to start timing can help you determine if you're in labor.
Start Timing When:
- • Contractions feel different from usual Braxton Hicks
- • They're becoming more regular
- • Intensity is increasing
- • They continue despite changing position
- • You feel they might be "the real thing"
Don't Need to Time:
- • Occasional irregular tightening
- • Contractions that stop with movement
- • Very mild sensations
- • Contractions only in front of belly
- • No clear pattern after an hour
Signs of True Labor
True labor contractions have specific characteristics that distinguish them from false labor. Here's what to look for:
Progressive Pattern
Real labor contractions follow the "3 P's": they become more Powerful, more Prolonged, and occur with greater Proximity (closer together) over time.
Cervical Changes
True labor contractions cause progressive cervical dilation and effacement. Your healthcare provider can confirm these changes during examination.
Physical Signs
- • Bloody show (mucus plug)
- • Water breaking (rupture of membranes)
- • Lower back pain that doesn't go away
- • Nausea or vomiting
Using Your Contraction Timer Effectively
Once you've determined you're experiencing true labor contractions, proper timing becomes crucial for communicating with your healthcare provider.
What to Track
- • Duration: How long each contraction lasts
- • Frequency: Time between contraction starts
- • Intensity: Subjective pain level (1-10)
- • Pattern: Overall trends and consistency
Timing Tips
- • Start timing from the beginning of one contraction to the beginning of the next
- • Track for at least one hour to establish pattern
- • Note any changes in intensity or pattern
- • Share data with your healthcare provider
When to Contact Your Healthcare Provider
Call Immediately If:
- • Contractions are 5 minutes apart, lasting 1 minute, for 1 hour (5-1-1 rule)
- • Water breaks, especially if fluid is green, brown, or bloody
- • Severe bleeding
- • Baby's movements decrease significantly
- • Severe headache with vision changes
- • You feel the urge to push
Common Questions
Can Braxton Hicks turn into real labor?
Sometimes what starts as Braxton Hicks can transition into early labor. If you notice the contractions becoming more regular, intense, and frequent, start timing them to track the pattern.
How long can early labor last?
Early labor can last anywhere from hours to days, especially for first-time mothers. This is normal and gives you time to prepare mentally and physically for active labor.
What if my contractions don't follow the textbook pattern?
Every labor is different. Some people have irregular contractions throughout labor, while others may have very quick progression. Trust your instincts and communicate with your healthcare provider about any concerns.
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