![]() For example, you should always call your provider if you notice vaginal bleeding. ![]() On the phone, be ready to give information about the timing and intensity of your contractions as well as any other symptoms you’ve noticed. Generally speaking, it’s a good idea to call your healthcare provider when you first notice the signs of labor such as your water breaking, the mucus plug discharge, or contractions. This is also a good chance to ask what number to call in case you think that you are going into labor outside of your provider’s usual hours. When to Go to the HospitalĪt one of your third trimester checkups, talk to your provider about when she might recommend you head to the hospital, and follow any instructions given. Reading our article on what contractions feel like might also help you to recognize true labor contractions, but your healthcare provider can tell you for sure. Other signs of labor include your water breaking and a clear or pinkish vaginal discharge called the mucus plug. If you have contractions that are irregular and don’t get stronger each time, you may be experiencing what are known as Braxton Hicks contractions or false contractions.īraxton Hicks contractions are not yet the real thing they are your body’s way of preparing for labor when the time comes. ![]() True labor contractions-the kind of contractions that lead to the birth of your baby-occur at regular intervals and increase in intensity and frequency over time. The Difference Between True and False Contractions That way, you’ll have one less thing to worry about, and your partner may appreciate having something useful to do to support you. You may prefer to ask your birth partner, midwife, or doula (if you have one) to help time your contractions. ![]() True labor contractions won’t go away even if you move or change positions.Īnother benefit of knowing how to time your contractions is that you’ll be able to give this information to your healthcare provider, who can then figure out whether it’s time for you to head to the hospital or birthing center, or advise you to stay at home for a little longer.ĭownload our contractions timing chart to more easily time your contractions. When you have true labor contractions, you will feel them get stronger each time, and they will increase in frequency and duration. With false labor contractions, the contractions will likely go away with movement, will feel weak and irregular, and won’t increase in frequency over time. One benefit of timing contractions is that it can help you tell the difference between true and false labor contractions. Your belly tightens during contractions, and then relaxes and becomes softer in between. It can also sometimes feel like pressure in your back or pelvis, similar to menstrual cramps. What Are Contractions?Īs labor begins, your cervix starts to dilate (open) and efface (thin out), and the muscles around your uterus contract to help your baby move down and through the birth canal.Ī contraction feels like a cramping or tightening that begins in your back and moves around to the front of your body. Read on to find out what a contraction actually is, how to easily time your contractions, and when it’s time to head to the hospital. Timing your contractions can also help you figure out whether you are actually in labor, or simply experiencing Braxton Hicks “practice” contractions. Having this information can also help your healthcare provider assess how far along you are, and whether it’s time to head into the hospital or birthing center. Once you start experiencing contractions, timing them can help indicate how your labor is progressing.
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