how will I know when I'm in real labour?

[charliegirl8]

I've had a pretty painful pregnancy so far and every passing week it gets more painful. .. I'm 36 weeks 3 days now and having thintening and contractions all day long... I've been having braxton hicks for weeks now on and off and have gotten use to them so I'm worried that I won't recognize real labour... how to tell the difference? ???

[charliegirl8]

Thanks guys... I'm keeping an eye out for signs of labor I guess I'm just really eager to meet this little guy!!! So over bring pregnant! !!

[linzdeighton1]

Labor contractions are constant and progress over time. If you are not sure drink a lot of water and lay down for a little bit. If it's Braxton hicks they should stop. If it's true labor nothing will make it better/go away.

[Moluko]

You can download a contraction timer app to help you time.

Another sign of real labor is increasing pain. Braxton hicks tend to stay the same and not get worse, are inconsistent and then they just go away after a while. Real labor contractions are rhythmic and get stronger and stronger and don't stop. Other good signs are if you've recently lost your mucous plug or if your water breaks.

[charliegirl8]

Ooo ok I seem to be having trouble timing them cause I have ones that come and go and other times just feel constant pains.... I guess my body will alert me when "it's time"

[sweetvegetable]

Also, as labor progresses, you should start to feel stretching in your vagina. Not the simple tightening of Braxton Hicks.

[sweetvegetable]

This is why you need to time them sometimes. If you get to the point where you can't talk during a contraction, you're probably in labor. The hospital likes them to be closer than five minutes apart before admitting you. Hope this helps.

[charliegirl8]

Bump

[charliegirl8]

Tightning