Contractions signal that your baby is about to arrive and it is an exciting moment.If you think you might be in labor, you need to know how to recognize real labor and false labor.If you know what labor contractions feel like, you can recognize them.
Step 1: If they are regular, you should notice.
A pattern of duration and Frequency will be developed quickly.The changes will be progressive and steady, even though the length of time that you experience the contractions will vary.You will be able to anticipate when the contractions will happen.There will be no gaps of time where the contractions stop.
Step 2: Track duration and frequencies with time contractions.
You can use a timer, clock, or watch to see how long your contractions last.The labor lasts from 30 to 70 seconds.If you want to know how often your contractions are coming, you have to see how much time passes between them.Your contractions will last longer as you get closer to delivery.The time is from the beginning to the end.This is the length of the contraction.The frequencies are shown by the time between contractions.
Step 3: If the pain is getting more intense, notice.
As labor progresses toward the baby being born, you should judge the intensity of your pain to see if it is increasing.Use a pain scale of 0-10 to judge the pain as it comes, with 0 being no pain and 10 representing the worst pain you can imagine.You may be having labor contractions if the ratings are increasing.When a health care provider asks the woman for a pain scale, it works the best.
Step 4: You should watch for pain in your lower back and upper belly.
If you feel pain in your lower back and/or upper belly, this is a sign of true labor as opposed to other kinds of pain associated with pregnancy such as Braxton hicks.Radiating pain is an indicator of true labor.The lack of pain doesn't mean you're not having contractions.Some women have intense pain in their lower abdomen, while others have a dull ache in the lower back and abdomen.Some people describe the pain of menstruation as contractions.
Step 5: During the pain, try to talk or laugh.
You will not be able to laugh or talk as your labor progresses.If you can talk or laugh, you are not having labor contractions.
Step 6: It's a good idea to look for pressure on your body.
Since your labor contractions mean that your body is getting ready for the birth of your baby, you should start to feel some pressure on your Pelvis.If you start to feel the pressure, then you are in labor.
Step 7: The show is bloody.
There should be red or pink spotting in your underwear.Contractions can cause the blood vessels in your cervix to burst, which can result in a bloody spot.This spotting will not occur with false labor.
Step 8: If pain gets worse, change your activity level or position.
Real labor contractions will not stop even when you are resting or changing positions.You are likely in labor if you continue to feel pain after getting into a relaxing position.
Step 9: If they are irregular, check them out.
If your contractions vary in length, notice the gaps between them.Real labor contractions will build over time and will ebb and flow.You may notice that you have pains for a while, but then they go away for an hour.It is possible that the pain is happening at odd intervals, such as every minute for a few minutes, but then every five minutes for the next half hour.
Step 10: Consider if you are feeling tight or uncomfortable.
Most women don't think that Braxton Hicks contractions are painful.It feels like you are experiencing a tightening in your abdominal area.
Step 11: If you notice, they are in your lower abdomen rather than your back.
Real labor pains will be felt from your back.The contraction will begin in the top of the abdomen and move down into your lower abdomen.
Step 12: It's time for the contractions.
To find out how long your pain is lasting, use a timer, clock, or watch.It takes about 15-30 seconds for Braxton Hicks to give a contraction.If your pains are shorter, they are not likely to be real labor pains.If the pain doesn't go away, call your doctor.If your pains last longer than 30 to 70 seconds, you may be having labor contractions.
Step 13: Feel the movement of your baby.
If you can feel your baby moving, then it's probably a contraction.You shouldn't feel your baby during labor because the movement of the baby can cause it to be uncomfortable.
Step 14: If they stop, change your position.
Rest for 30 minutes after shifting to a more comfortable position.If your pain stops, it's most likely a contraction of the uterus.It can be alleviated by resting in a better position, changing positions, or walking.Changing positions can't relieve real labor contractions.
Step 15: Pain is shooting up and down your body.
Your muscles are stretching because of the baby's growth.The pain will shoot down your sides and into your groin as you stretch.It is not likely that you will confuse these pains with labor pains.The muscles are not in the right place and the pain that occurs during the 2nd trimester is different from labor pains.
Step 16: If the pain is caused by movement, check it out.
When you cough, sneeze, or use the bathroom, you will experience a round ligament pain.If your stretching muscles cause the pain, pay attention to when you feel it.It is important to rest for a while to see if the pain goes away.If you feel pain on your sides, lay down in a comfortable position.Don't inhale too deeply because it might cause your muscles to spasm again, but take a few calming breaths.If the pain goes away, it's probably round ligament pain.If the pain doesn't go away, you should call your healthcare provider.
Step 17: You should note the duration of your pain.
The round ligament pain only lasts for a short time.It is not usually recurring.There are labor contractions that last from 30 to 70 seconds, so short bursts of pain are likely not contractions.
Step 18: It's a good idea to know when to call the doctor.
There are times when preterm labor can be mistaken for round ligament pain.Your doctor may have to rule out a more serious condition if you have abdominal pain during your pregnancies.If you experience any of the following, call a doctor.Pain on urination Difficulty walking Leaking amniotic fluidDecreased fetal movement Any vaginal bleeding other than light spotting Regular, painful contractions every 5 to 10 minutes for 60 minutes Your water breaks, especially if the fluid is stained dark, greenish brown.If you have any concerns about the health and well-being of your baby or yourself, if you think you are in preterm labor.