how do you know if you're having real contractions?
224102
If you touch your abdomen, it feels hard during a contraction. You can tell that you're in true labor when the contractions are evenly spaced (for example, five minutes apart), and the time between them gets shorter and shorter (three minutes apart, then two minutes, then one).
287225
Contractions. True labor contractions typically start at the top of the uterus, causing an intense tightening sensation that becomes progressively more painful. A woman who feels contractions beginning in the top of the abdomen may be going into labor. Call a medical professional straight away.
797316
In some women, lightning pain is the first sign that they're in labor. Some women can even feel their cervix as it dilates. If you're experiencing lightning pain and have any other symptoms like regular contractions, consistent backache, or any leaking of fluid, you might be in labor.
365641
5. Cramps. Your tummy may feel all tight and churned up, similar to what you experience before periods. Though these may not be the actual contractions, however, this cramping may be an indication that your water may break anytime soon.
293853
Braxton Hicks contractions can be mild — you may detect sensations of tightening and relaxing of the uterus — but they can also be a bit more painful. These contractions may start out feeling something like familiar menstrual cramps, but can grow more intense in the final few weeks of pregnancy.
111175
Unlike Braxton-Hicks, preterm labor contractions are the real thing, indicating your labor is starting before your baby is ready to be born. How can you tell whether you're experiencing Braxton-Hicks or preterm labor contractions? The differences are mostly in the frequency, intensity, and duration.
71931
Giving birth will be different for every woman, but the main signs that you are starting labour will most likely be strong, regular contractions, and a 'show'. During your pregnancy, a plug of mucus sits in your cervix. A show is when that plug of mucus comes away, indicating that the cervix is starting to open.
158546
Contractions may feel different from the first stage of labor -- they will slow to 2 to 5 minutes apart and last from about 60 to 90 seconds. You will feel a strong urge to push with your contractions. Try to rest as much as possible between intervals of pushing, and only push when the health care provider tells you.
830363
Sometimes babies decide to come early, so you should be on the lookout for contractions. Contractions may feel like a tightening or cramping in your uterus, similar to menstrual cramps. Some women feel them in their back, as well. Your stomach will feel hard to the touch during a contraction.
107007
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.
18320
When true labor begins, the contractions start as mild, irregular cramps that become regular and more painful over time. You usually can't feel your baby move during the cramp or contraction. The contractions push the baby's head down, slowly thinning and opening the cervix; this is called effacement and dilation.
1100312
Contractions may feel different from the first stage of labor -- they will slow to 2 to 5 minutes apart and last from about 60 to 90 seconds. You will feel a strong urge to push with your contractions.
512809
You're Having Strong, Regular Contractions When true labor begins, the contractions start as mild, irregular cramps that become regular and more painful over time. You usually can't feel your baby move during the cramp or contraction.
1027604
Signs: Contractions are increasingly intense and last between 60 to 90 seconds, and they're 1 1/2 to 2 minutes apart. You may feel pelvic and rectal pressure, have hot flashes and/or chills, have cold feet, and feel nauseous or even vomit.
344119
Contractions are the most common first sign of labor. Just before you go into labor, your cervix, the lower part of your uterus, will soften, thin out, and shorten. You may feel a little discomfort, maybe even a few light, irregular contractions.
1382616
You have strong and regular contractions. When you're in true labor, your contractions last about 30 to 70 seconds and come about 5 to 10 minutes apart. They're so strong that you can't walk or talk during them. They get stronger and closer together over time.
29135
Contractions: Contractions are increasingly intense and last between 60 to 90 seconds, and they're 1 1/2 to 2 minutes apart. Other Signs: You may feel pelvic and rectal pressure, have hot flashes and/or chills, have cold feet, and feel nauseous or even vomit.