I didnt know .

[FirstTimeMommy_]

I didnt know braxton hick contractions can cause you to dialate Lol. Dont judge me... I have them Like 10 times a Day or more. And doctor said That they are real contractions . If so why are they called false contractions ??? Someone explain please

[LoveMyJulyBoy]

Thanks for all the info! I haven't felt any contractions but am dilated to 2 cm and was slightly confused as well.

[specialmom]

Cervix is a body part.  It is generally the opening to the uterus and is usually open (how we menstruate) unless pregnant when it closes. The cervix dilates in order to open for the baby to be born.  A woman can stay at a dilation number of 1 to 4 for a month and not be in labor. (you are at 10 when you are giving birth).   But the cervix did dilate due to contractions.  I personally never felt a single one as my cervix opened that slight amount in the beginning.  but some women do.  But Braxton hicks may affect this but generally does not. It's false labor because it is not leading to labor.  You can feel a tightening often but it is a bit different from a labor pain.  I did have Braxton hicks myself.  It was a rhythmic tightening but not on a timely basis like contractions are.  It's just different and I think you'll understand better when you go into true labor.

good luck

[FirstTimeMommy_]

N d Dr said That they was contractions.... n asked if i could feel them??

[FirstTimeMommy_]

Well what does cervix really mean??

[specialmom]

Hi!  Why would anyone judge you for this question hon?  It's an honest question. And lots happens to us when we are pregnant that is confusing!  

Anyway,  Braxton hicks contractions are the bodies way of getting ready for labor but are not labor.  They don't mean you are near labor either.  They tend to be much less painful than true labor contractions.  One way known to sometimes stop Braxton hicks contractions is to take a walk.  With true labor, this would not stop them and in fact can increase them.  Resting will also help stop them.  Your cervcix may dilate a little bit but it does so over time any way.  But Braxton hicks can start as early as your second trimester.  They do not cause you to dilate as in preparation for labor or anything like that.

True labor contractions are different for every woman and can be different for the same woman during different pregnancies.  Mine were super intense. Some just have a really strong ache in the back.  But they feel different than the tightening of the abdomen that you feel with Braxton hicks.  And they are often accompanied by other things like lots of extra discharge, some of which is bloody, diarrhea, water breaking, etc.  

good luck.  there are definitely some unglamorous parts of pregnancy but it all leads to the wonderful ending of a beautiful baby!