Braxton Hicks contractions and labor contractions - how to tell them apart and when to go to the maternity hospital

With the due date approaching, every mom focuses on every little twinge in her belly and is already reaching for her packed bag because she thinks labor is starting. In the third trimester, however, more frequent Braxton Hicks contractions may appear; these do not open the cervix and therefore do not trigger labor, they only practice for the big day. So what is the difference between Braxton Hicks and labor contractions? And when is it time to go to the maternity ward?

Braxton Hicks contractions

Braxton Hicks contractions, also called false labor or practice contractions, prepare the body for childbirth and can start as early as the middle of pregnancy, more often about 3 weeks before the actual birth. Braxton Hicks contractions are:

• irregular and do not intensify;
• last about 30-60 seconds;
• pain is felt in the lower abdomen, but the lower back and groin can also hurt;
• warm water stops them;
• you can walk them off/dance them out;
• they stop when you change position;
• an uncomfortable hardening of the belly;
• they may appear several times a day;
• they may appear after greater physical exertion or after sexual intercourse;
• a full bladder or, conversely, dehydration can trigger them, so it is a good idea to drink something when the pain starts.

Contractions

A woman recognizes true labor contractions because:

• they are regular, get stronger, and the interval between them shortens;
• you cannot walk them off; 
• a warm bath or shower makes them stronger; 
• the pain may, just like with Braxton Hicks contractions, appear in the lower abdomen, and the lower back and groin may also hurt;
• some moms feel pain only in the back or lower back;
• sometimes they feel like menstrual cramps;
• they can also be described as abdominal cramps;
• they can also cause pressure to have a bowel movement (the latest time to go to the maternity ward);
• they may cause nausea or vomiting;
• they last about 60-90 seconds (40 seconds is enough time to head to the maternity ward);
• you cannot take your mind off them;
• they may be accompanied by diarrhea;
• they may be accompanied by pinkish vaginal discharge (loss of the mucus plug).

When to go to the maternity ward

Contractions

It is advisable to go to the maternity ward if the interval between contractions is 2-5 minutes, one contraction lasts at least 40 seconds, and this has been going on for at least 1 hour. At the same time, the woman no longer feels comfortable or safe at home and stops talking.

Water breaking

Before contractions even begin, it may happen that the amniotic fluid comes out first, in other words, the waters break. If the woman is unsure whether it is amniotic fluid, she just needs to put on a maternity pad and go to the maternity ward for a checkup. If she tested positive for streptococcus (GBS), she should get to the maternity ward within 2 hours of the water breaking; otherwise, within 4 hours is enough.

Bleeding

A woman may have slight bleeding after an examination by a gynecologist or after sexual intercourse. If there is heavier bleeding with bright red blood, it is time to go to the maternity ward immediately.

Baby's movements

If a woman does not feel the baby's movements for a longer time, even after a warm shower, after eating something sweet, or while lying on her left side, she should go to the maternity ward for a checkup.

The birth of a baby is a beautiful milestone in a woman's and a man's life. Birth brings the 9 months of pregnancy to an end and parenthood begins. It is an unforgettable experience for everyone involved. We wish all moms a beautiful birth they will remember with love.