True or False? - Positive Parenting

In 1872, an English obstetrician named Dr John Braxton Hicks described the “false contractions” that occur before a woman really goes into labour. Now that you know why these annoying and sometimes frightening contractions have such a fancy name, you can go on to find out the difference between real contractions and Braxton Hicks contractions.

	Genuine Contractions	Braxton Hicks Contractions
Timing	Regular, 5-10 minutes apart Gradually increase in frequency 30-70 seconds long Persistent	Irregular No change in frequency Shorter than 30 seconds, inconsistent in length Slow down or stop
Strength	Increases with time	Frequently weak, or strong followed by several weak contractions No increase in strength over time
Position changes	Continue to progress in spite of change in position	Slow down or stop when you change position
Pain	Can start in the back, then move forward	Usually felt only in the front

When in doubt, go to the hospital

If you are quite sure you’re really in labour, go to the hospital. Even if you’re wrong, the doctor will be able to set your mind at rest. If you’re right, you’ll be glad you didn’t have to give birth in the car!

If you’re less than 35 weeks pregnant and your contractions are occurring 4-6 times an hour, about 30 seconds each time, rest, change positions frequently and drink some water. Go to the hospital if the contractions continue after this.

When in doubt, go to the hospital

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