Some women describe contractions as strong menstrual cramps. Unlike false
It can be hard to tell when you are truly in labor. 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.
Early labor contractions can feel crampy and will come every five to 15 minutes. These contractions will become more consistent, painful, and closer together as you move into active labor.
Your contractions may feel like cramps in your lower stomach and can start off feeling like period pain. You may have dull lower back pain or pain in your inner thigh that you feel down your legs. At first, your contractions will be short and around 30 minutes apart.
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. You feel pain in your belly and lower back.
Braxton Hicks contractions are a tightening in your abdomen that comes and goes. These contractions don't get closer together, don't increase in how long they last or how often they occur and don't feel stronger over time. Braxton Hicks contractions can feel like mild menstrual cramps and be uncomfortable.
Early labor
You may feel mild contractions that come every 5 to 15 minutes and last 60 to 90 seconds. You may have a bloody show. This is a pink, red or bloody vaginal discharge. If you have heavy bleeding or bleeding like your period, call your provider right away.
Try the following tips to ease you through this stage: Try sleeping or resting. You could be in labour for some time, and the more energy you can save, the better. If contractions make it uncomfortable to lie down, try leaning over cushions or on a birth ball with a blanket over you.
If you came to the hospital while in early labour, your doctor or midwife may ask you to labour at home until your contractions are stronger. Many women stay at home during early labour. This is often the longest part of the birthing process. It may last up to 2 to 3 days.
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.
The reality is that everyone's experience and description of the sensation is slightly different. Some people say that contractions feel like intense menstrual cramps while others describe lots of pressure and back pain.
Pain during labor is caused by contractions of the muscles of the uterus and by pressure on the cervix. This pain can be felt as strong cramping in the abdomen, groin, and back, as well as an achy feeling. Some women experience pain in their sides or thighs as well.
Spending most of your time in bed, especially lying on your back, or sitting up at a small angle, interferes with labor progress: Gravity works against you, and the baby might be more likely to settle into a posterior position. Pain might increase, especially back pain.
You may want to start timing your contractions when you think labor has started to see if there is a pattern. You may also want to time contractions for a bit after there has been a change in how the contractions feel. That can give you a better idea of how much time you have to rest between each contraction.
If your labour starts at night, try to stay comfortable and relaxed. Sleep if you can. If your labour starts during the day, stay upright and gently active. This helps your baby move down into your pelvis and helps your cervix to dilate.
How long after false labour is real labour likely to be? False labour is not an indication that real labour is on its way. So, you can't use false labour to predict how long it will be before you have your baby.
Labour can start very quickly, but is often slow at the start (particularly if it's your first baby). Sometimes it can start without you realising it.
Early labor contractions can feel like gastrointestinal discomfort, heavy menstrual cramps or lower abdominal pressure.
An increased urge to urinate
The low position of the baby's head puts even more pressure on the urinary bladder, so many women approaching labor might feel a frequent need to urinate. As the baby drops, breathing can become easier since there is less pressure on the diaphragm from underneath.