what are the signs of braxton hicks contractions?
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Some women describe Braxton Hicks contractions as tightening in their belly that comes and goes. Many say they feel like mild menstrual cramps. Braxton Hicks contractions may be uncomfortable, but they don't cause labor or open your cervix.
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They occur from early in your pregnancy but you may not feel them until the second trimester. If this is your first pregnancy, you might start to feel them from about 16 weeks. In later pregnancies, you may feel Braxton Hicks contractions more often, or earlier. Some women won't feel them at all.
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['Back pain. ... ', 'A white-pink mucus coming from the vagina.', 'Pelvic contractions. ... ', 'Brown or bright red bleeding with or without cramps. ... ', 'A sudden decrease in signs of pregnancy like nausea or breast pain. ... ', 'Diarrhea and abdominal pain.']
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Contractions (belly tightening) are the main sign of labor. They last from 30 to 60 seconds and might feel like period cramps at first. False labor pains (called "Braxton Hicks" contractions) can happen anytime in pregnancy, but are more common toward the end.
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Braxton-Hicks Contractions Increasing Is a Sign of Labor Although they are commonly thought of as a sign of false labor, Braxton-Hicks contractions — intermittent, fluttering sensations that are usually painless — become more frequent and noticeable in the early stages of labor.
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How long are the contractions? Braxton Hicks contractions are unpredictable. They may last less than 30 seconds or up to 2 minutes. True labor contractions last between 30 to less than 90 seconds and become longer over time.
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Braxton-Hicks contractions are not, and they do not lead to birth. Real contractions are generally more intense and follow a consistent pattern, while Braxton-Hicks contractions do not. A woman usually feels pain from real contractions around the abdomen, lower back, and sometimes in the legs.
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Real contractions follow a consistent pattern, while Braxton-Hicks contractions vary in duration and frequency. Braxton-Hicks contractions also tend to be less painful and usually only cause discomfort in the front of the abdomen. Braxton-Hicks contractions simulate real contractions to prepare the body for labor.
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What to do if you're having contractions. Contractions that only show up from time to time are most likely Braxton-Hicks. But if they start coming regularly, time them for about an hour. If they get stronger or closer together, you are likely experiencing true labor.
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['Backache, which usually will be in your lower back. ... ', 'Contractions every 10 minutes or more often.', 'Cramping in your lower abdomen or menstrual-like cramps. ... ', 'Fluid leaking from your vagina.', 'Flu-like symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. ... ', 'Increased pressure in your pelvis or vagina.', 'Increased vaginal discharge.']
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In late pregnancy, you may experience Braxton Hicks contractions more often — perhaps as much as every 10 to 20 minutes. This is a sign that you are preparing for labour — known as prelabour.
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Real contractions are generally more intense and follow a consistent pattern, while Braxton-Hicks contractions do not. A woman usually feels pain from real contractions around the abdomen, lower back, and sometimes in the legs.
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In the last few weeks of pregnancy, Braxton Hicks contractions help to move the baby and engage the head in preparation for labour. During a contraction, your belly will feel quite hard to touch. If you look in a mirror, you will be able to see your muscles tightening as you experience a contraction.
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You may feel upper abdominal pain near your rib cage, particularly on your right side. These issues require immediate medical attention. So, if you think you are having Braxton-Hicks contractions but the pain becomes severe and doesn't let up, get medical help as soon as possible.
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Many say they feel like mild menstrual cramps. Braxton Hicks contractions may be uncomfortable, but they don't cause labor or open your cervix. Unlike true labor, Braxton Hicks contractions: Usually aren't painful.
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["Trouble sleeping. Maybe you can't sleep because you're getting nervous about delivery, or maybe it's your haywire hormones—or just your big belly getting in the way. ... ", 'Frequent urination. ... ', 'Constipation. ... ', 'Hemorrhoids. ... ', 'Gas and bloating. ... ', 'Heartburn. ... ', 'Braxton Hicks contractions.']
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Typically, real labor contractions feel like a pain or pressure that starts in the back and moves to the front of your lower abdomen. Unlike the ebb and flow of Braxton Hicks, true labor contractions feel steadily more intense over time. During true labor contractions your belly will tighten and feel very hard.