What is different between Braxton-Hicks and labor contractions?
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Braxton Hicks contractions are weak and come randomly as your uterus prepares for labor. You can relieve them by changing positions or moving around. Real contractions will be more powerful and become more frequent. They cannot be helped by changing position and progressively last longer. You should call your doctor if your contractions concern you.
Braxton Hicks contractions are weak and come randomly as your uterus prepares for labor. You can relieve them by changing positions or moving around. Real contractions will be more powerful and become more frequent. They cannot be helped by changing... More -
Dr. Deborah Raines of Honor Society of Nursing (STTI) answered:Braxton-Hicks contractions are irregular and intermittent in frequency, intensity and duration. They are localized to the abdominal or groin area and are relieved by activity or a change in position. Braxton-hicks are not associated with the presence of bloody show and do not lead to progressive cervical change.
On the other hand labor contractions have a regular pattern of frequency, intensity and during which increase over time. They begin in the lower back and wrap around the abdomen. Labor contractions are not relieved by activity or position change, in fact, sometimes activity increases the intensity of the contractions. Labor contractions lead to progressive cervical change.
Braxton-Hicks contractions are irregular and intermittent in frequency, intensity and duration. They are localized to the abdominal or groin area and are relieved by activity or a change in position. Braxton-hicks are not associated with the... More -
Dr. Richard W. Ott of Intermountain Healthcare answered:When labor is happening, the contractions are actually changing the cervix, dilating the cervix, or thinning the cervix out. That's what is diagnostic of labor. So when a woman is feeling Braxton Hicks contractions, the question is, Is it real labor or not? Because they're really contractions, some may be painful, some may not be painful. To know whether you have to be worried or not, that's when you get off your feet, drink fluids, rest, and if they start to space out then it's probably just Braxton Hicks contractions, not real labor. You can resume full activity whenever they go away.When labor is happening, the contractions are actually changing the cervix, dilating the cervix, or thinning the cervix out. That's what is diagnostic of labor. So when a woman is feeling Braxton Hicks contractions, the question is, Is it... More
