Does your belly get tight/hard with contractions also? Or how do u tell the difference between Braxton hicks and contractions because with Braxton hicks I get back cramps with those
WeMoms
2 Apr 2024
Contractions vs Braxton Hicks?
Understanding Contractions and Braxton Hicks: What Sets Them Apart 🤰💪
During pregnancy, it's common to experience various sensations in the abdomen, including contractions and Braxton Hicks contractions.
While they may feel similar, there are key differences between the two.
Understanding these differences can help you differentiate between regular contractions and Braxton Hicks contractions.
Let's take a closer look:
Contractions: 🌟
- Purpose: Contractions are the rhythmic tightening and relaxation of the uterine muscles. Their primary purpose is to help the cervix efface (thin) and dilate (open) during labor, leading to the birth of your baby.
- Regular Pattern: Contractions occur at regular intervals and gradually become more frequent, longer, and stronger over time. As labor progresses, the contractions intensify, and the duration between contractions shortens.
- Pain and Intensity: Contractions are typically associated with increasing pain or discomfort. As the muscles contract, you may feel a gripping or squeezing sensation in the lower abdomen, radiating to the back or thighs. The pain level tends to intensify with each contraction.
- Progression: True labor contractions lead to progressive cervical dilation and effacement. As labor advances, the contractions work to push the baby downward through the birth canal.
Braxton Hicks Contractions: 💫
- Purpose: Braxton Hicks contractions, also known as "practice contractions" or "false labor," are intermittent, irregular contractions that occur throughout pregnancy. They are considered a normal part of the preparation process for labor.
- Irregular Pattern: Unlike true labor contractions, Braxton Hicks contractions do not follow a consistent pattern. They may occur sporadically, often without any specific rhythm or progression.
- Milder Sensations: Braxton Hicks contractions are generally milder and less intense compared to true labor contractions. They may feel like a tightening or squeezing sensation in the lower abdomen, similar to a menstrual cramp.
- Temporary Relief: Braxton Hicks contractions typically subside with changes in activity or position. Resting, changing positions, or hydrating yourself may help alleviate the discomfort associated with these contractions.
- No Progressive Changes: Unlike true labor contractions, Braxton Hicks contractions do not cause cervical dilation or effacement. They are considered "practice" contractions that help tone the uterine muscles in preparation for labor.
Learn more
Preparing for Braxton Hicks Contractions
4 min read
Childbirth: Handle Fear Of Contractions
3 min read
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LaTressa
2 Aug 2023
It seems like these Braxton hicks contractions are starting to get more painful each day 😫
Dee
Story of my life ❤️
27 Mar 2024
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LaTressa
I'm so over it
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KeKe
7 Jul 2023
How does Braxton Hicks feel compared to contractions? I can’t tell if I’ve been having either.
Mariya
Braxton hicks are a tight feeling in your upper abdomen. Contractions are just like period cramps but 30x worse you will feel them in your back,lower stomach & you butt
27 Mar 2024
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KeKe
OK OK the tightening I be feeling in my stomach I’d be feeling like that is the baby and how she is laying but I definitely have been feeling contractions in my butt almost every night not really painful just real weird and I remember experiencing that with my first pregnancy
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Miracle
17 Apr 2023
What does Braxton hicks feel like vs labor pain. It’s been 4 years since I had a baby lol
Dee
In my experience, they felt the same what was different was the back labor I experienced with my 4th and to me that hit differently
27 Mar 2024
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Blocked user
7 Dec 2022
How to tell difference between Braxton hicks and contractions? As someone with a high pain tolerance
emi
Braxton Hicks are like period cramps. Contractions are like your entire pelvis splitting in half
27 Mar 2024
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Quoyah
Braxton hicks will tighten your belly and make you say “whew”
Contractions will make you forget about your tolerance 😂😂.
I have ah high tolerance to so this is the best way to describe it. Contractions normally feel like your entire lower half is splitting in half and you’ll have a need to poop sensation but it really the baby coming down to be pushed out
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Mariah Vandenberg
29 Nov 2022
At the hospital now, curious to see if these are Braxton hicks or actual contractions 🤞
sabrina
Good luck mama! Keep us updated if you can. I saw your last post about 3 hours ago.
27 Mar 2024
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Mariah Vandenberg
Thank you! Will do😊
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Kobi
17 Nov 2022
How do I know I’m in labor vs braxton hicks? I’m getting sharp cramps in my lower abdomen and back, and I’m feeling nauseous
Seanice
You need to time the contractions & if they are every 5-7 min then it’s possible labor is starting
27 Mar 2024
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Seanice
For at least an hour
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Mariah
11 Oct 2022
I think I’m having Braxton hicks contractions can someone explain exactly how they feel?
Charline
Your belly gets super tight for like a minute, it is uncomfortable but doesn’t hurt. I remember touching my belly when I had those it felt like a rock kind of ☺️
27 Mar 2024
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Amber
Oh ok 👍 this useful I’m been having this. This my first pregnancy so o think I’m experiencing it
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Natalia
17 Jun 2022
How do you tell the difference between Braxton hicks and actual labor contractions?
Mama26Buttheads
Braxton hicks come and go when you sit or walk. Contractions increase no matter what.
27 Mar 2024
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mikeia
9 Jun 2022
I really hope this just Braxton hicks and not actually contractions I’m only 33 weeks 😭
Jaquaisha
Braxton hicks is preparing u for labor
27 Mar 2024
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Jaquaisha
Yes Braxton is just getting ready to prepare u for labor it showing or telling u this what labor contraction feels like
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