Im 33 weeks and getting nervous about labour honestly. Sometimes my belly goes tight and i cant tell if its just braxton hicks or the real thing. How did you actually know it was a real contraction?
Just delivered a few weeks back, so fresh in mind. Early on it felt like strong period cramps that wrapped around to my back, then a clear tightening rhythm. Trust me when its real you will start to feel the pattern.
My doctor told me to time them, if they come in a regular pattern and get closer like every 10 then 5 minutes, its real labour. Braxton Hicks are irregular and ease with rest or water. She said to come in once they were 5 minutes apart or water broke.
Real contractions for me came in a rhythm, tightening of the whole belly that got stronger and closer together with time. The practice ones earlier were random and stopped when I rested. When mine became regular and painful, thats when we went to hospital.
You will feel a tightening that comes and goes in a rhythm, beta. If they get regular and stronger, or your water breaks, head to the hospital and call your gynac. Dont panic, just time them.
