False Labor Contractions

False Labor (prodromal) or Braxton-Hicks Contractions - Remember that Braxton- Hicks contractions stay at about the same intensity over the time have them. They are the same an hour ago as they are now and they only last 30 seconds or so

These contractions will go away if you walk, move or change positions. There is no significant discomfort or pain associated with these contractions. You may have a backache.

The less common 'prodromal labor, is a kind of 'dry run' or practice labor that can cause lower back pain with contractions.

These contractions may feel more real than Braxton-Hicks, but they will not get closer together or stronger over time. If you get up and move around they will sometimes disappear completely.

Labor Contractions - Get progressively stronger and last longer as the hours go by. They also get closer together as your labor progresses.

There is significant discomfort with these contractions, and nothing you do seems to change that. You can move, walk or change positions and the contractions are still strong and predictable and painful.

You have pain in the back and in your abdomen (like a 'too tight' seatbelt or band around your stomach that keeps getting tighter).

IMPORTANT: If at any time you feel a significant pressure to push, you should get to the hospital immediately, and forget the leisurely labor at home! If you can feel a bulge or firm protrusion between your legs at the mouth of your cervix, you should not try to make it to the hospital. Have someone call 911 and get yourself comfortable on your bed with extra clean towels or a clean (old) comforter underneath you. Or, if you are more comfortable on the floor, be sure you have plenty of clean padding underneath you and relax and breathe until the ambulance and EMTs arrive.

When you are ready to go to the hospital, don't try to go alone if you can help it. Have someone take you, call a cab or call an ambulance if you must.

When you get to the hospital on the day of delivery, be sure you ask if they have a copy of the birth plan. If not, have another copy ready to give them, and repeat your primary and most important requests then and there so that you remind the staff of what you want.

During labor your cervix will become thinner and more open. If you are a first time mother, this may take 10 hours or more. If you have already had a child it may take only 2-3 hours. Your doctor will refer to this dual process as 'effacing' and 'dilating', and he will use your progress to determine how soon you may give birth.

The thinning of the cervix (effacement), is noted as a percentage. If you are 25% effaced, you are only ¼ of the way there.

The widening of the opening in your cervix (dilation) is noted in centimeters or sometimes in 'fingers'. When your cervix is fully dilated it is about 10 centimeters across. Or your doctor may say you are '2 or 3 fingers' dilated, meaning your cervix is dilated by about 3-4 centimeters and still has a way to go.

As your labor progresses, contractions will get more intense and you will have shorter breaks between these contractions. But even at the longest point of your labor, these contractions never last more than 1.5 min. and you will typically have at least 30 sec between contractions.

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