Are you in labour or just experiencing Braxton Hicks?

Posted on 20 February 2015

While it’s said to be something ‘you’ll just know’, identifying when you’re really in labour isn’t always as simple as it sounds – especially for first-time moms. Here’s how to differentiate between Braxton Hicks and real contractions.

 

‘When you enter the 32nd week of pregnancy, more physiological changes take place to start preparing the pregnant uterus for labour,’ explains professional nurse Elmarie Olivier, midwife and maternity unit manager at Mediclinic Potchefstroom. ‘To give birth to your baby the cervix (mouth opening) of the uterus needs to dilate from 0 to 10cm.’

Elmarie explains that, in contrast, Braxton Hicks are a tightening feeling in the abdomen as the muscles of the uterus gently contract due to hormonal excretion. Braxton Hicks contractions prepare your uterus for labour but are not strong enough to initiate labour.’

Labour vs Braxton Hicks
Although they may be alarming at first, you’ll soon realise how to differentiate between Braxton Hicks contractions and the real thing. If you’re experiencing contractions but feel it’s too early for labour, slow down and use this handy guide to put your mind at ease:

Braxton Hicks contractions

• Can be uncomfortable but are not painful.
• Don’t occur at regular intervals, don’t get closer together or increase when you walk – they have an inconsistent pattern.
• Are triggered by touching or rubbing your stomach, a moving fetus or a full bladder. May also be experienced when you’re feeling exhausted.
• Discomfort can be relieved by changing positions, taking a walk, resting or having a nap. A lukewarm bath can be soothing and will calm the uterus.
• Contractions are usually only felt in the front of the abdomen or pelvic region.

The three signs of labour

1. Show
   A clear or bloodstained mucous-like discharge when the mucous plug that protects your cervix during pregnancy passes through the vagina.
2. Contractions

• Regular contractions that get progressively closer to one other.
• Abdominal discomfort coupled with a painful sensation that grows more intense as labour progresses.
• The pain starts from the back and moves to the front.
• As the contractions progress, they can be felt over the whole abdomen.

3. Rupture of membranes
   This is when your water breaks. While this usually happens during labour, it can precede the other labour signs. At this stage you need to go straight to hospital.

Elmarie explains that there are also three stages of labour:

• The latent phase: The beginning of labour, which can last up to 72 hours. Here the mother experiences discomfort – back pain, a frequent urge to empty the bladder, and tiredness.
• Early active phase: You may experience lower back pain, discomfort similar to menstrual cramps, have an upset stomach, feel moody and have disrupted sleep. Contractions are 15-20 minutes apart and 20-40 seconds long. These pre-contractions are necessary to soften and start dilating the cervix. Contractions then increase to 5-10 minutes apart and 40-60 seconds long.
• Active phase: Contractions have a definite pattern, are more intense and frequent and cause the cervix to start dilating (opening). Contractions are less than four minutes apart and are 40-60 seconds long.

When should you go to hospital?
Seek medical input or go to hospital when the early active phase begins or your membranes rupture. Knowing your doctor or midwife is there to support you helps provide the peace of mind you need.

If any of these labour signs occur before the 37th week of pregnancy you should see your doctor or midwife immediately as you could be in preterm labour, says Elmarie. ‘This could be due to a infection or other pregnancy complications, so the mother should be seen by her doctor and a treatment plan will be made.’

If you are unsure about the nature of the contractions, you should either see or speak to a medical professional and not self diagnose.

 

The information provided in this article was correct at the time of publishing. At Mediclinic we endeavour to provide our patients and readers with accurate and reliable information, which is why we continually review and update our content. However, due to the dynamic nature of clinical information and medicine, some information may from time to time become outdated prior to revision.