How Do I Know My Contractions Are Real?

Ladies everywhere that have ever had a baby can certainly sympathize with those just embarking on your first bundle of joy. There seems to be so much to learn about and getting overwhelmed is an easy thing to do when pregnant.  Among other things, it can sometimes be hard to tell a 'real' contraction from a 'false' one.
 

Generally speaking, if you feel a pain you should consult your Obgyn at once. Even in the first trimester you can have a feeling that alarms you and then you have to get it checked out. In the third or second trimesters, pain, cramping and discomfort can all be experienced but not in every case. Cramping will come and go as your body begins to stretch inside and make additional room for the baby. By the time you are half way through the nine months, your body has most likely gained an additional ten to fifteen pounds already. That weight has to be accounted for and causing some aches and pains is totally normal. Pregnancy is not intended to be the most comfortable experience in the world, it is intended to just happen naturally and the female body can usually adapt quite nicely to those changes.

At around thirty weeks, your baby will weigh two pounds or even more. This means extra pulling on the ligaments and additional stretching at the hip area. Your back may be aching at times as well, and the best thing you can do for yourself is to sit down or lay down for a few minutes and breathe.

Real contractions vs. False alarms:

Contractions are tricky things to manage. In fact, some women contract but never dilate on their own making it even more challenging to plead your case with your doctor that you are in pain. Always time the contractions as this can be your first indicator that the baby is ready to come out. If they are a regular pattern, last a minute long or so and are a few minutes apart then you may need to get to the hospital. Time them for a half an hour if the pain isn’t too horrible. If they are sporadic such as every twenty minutes, or you only have them when you are walking or busy during the day then odds are you are experiencing Braxton Hicks ones versus the real deal. Real contractions are tightening and generally painful once they begin to work on dilating your cervix. Some women have contraction pains in their backs also, which is something to keep in mind.

Communication with your doctor is key. Tell he or she if you are having pain, they don’t want you walking around pregnant in pain and there could very well be a reason for it. Some babies can be in distress and need medical treatment instantly, which is why it is so crucial you call you Obgyn at once. Try to lay down, if that doesn’t work and you are still having any discomfort you may need your cervix checked to see if you are dilating. Take deep breaths and know that your doctor can handle all of this, the sooner you see them the better you can feel and have your mind at ease that your baby is alright!