am i in labor?

[hunterbaby1993]

Im 36wks 6days pregnant and For the past two days I have had a lot of bad back pain and I can't tell if its just braxton Hicks  or for real. This also my first pregnancy. So I cant really tell the difference.

[mommabear27]

@ctmom37 - Braxton hicks dont just happen because of dehydration. Although they can happen if you are dehydrated, its not the only cause.   most women will suffer Braxton hicks during pregnancy, and while some mums to be notice them, others do not.  Braxton hicks are 'false contractions' which help your body to prepare for giving birth.  Braxton hicks should subside if you change position, move about, take paracetamol, have a hot bath or curl up with a hot water bottle. They won't dissipate immediately, but they will fade away.  they won't increase in frequency or intensity.  True labour contractions, however, will become longer, much more intense and will have shorter recovery periods in between. X

[Lilslava]

I was and am hydrated..still having braxton hicks. Some women are just different.

[CTMom37]

First of all, if you are getting lots of Braxton-Hicks, you need to get hydrated and stay hydrated.  Braxton-Hicks are a sign of dehydration, which can happen even if you're not yet "thirsty".  So...carry a water bottle around and drink from it often.  If you drink caffeine, this is even more important, because caffeine is a diuretic (makes you lose water).  Second of all, you say you can't tell the difference, but let me tell you from experience, you WILL know the difference.  LOL.

Good luck to you!

[Lilslava]

I'm 34 weeks along as was admitted to the hospital last sunday for having Braxton Hicks contractions that actually made me dilate. I am 3 cm and 30% effaced.  I've been put on strict bed rest. I'd go in and get checked out.

[CassandraBrown02]

Braxton hicks isnt consistent eventually it'll go away. Actual labor is consistent and it gets worse as it progresses. I hope this helps. Try timing your contractions if the time gets closer and closer you're in labor. If ita close then far apart its Braxton hicks.