Keep hearing people mention false contractions and now in my third tri im feeling some tightening in my belly that comes and goes. Not painful really. Just trying to understand whats false vs the real thing so i dont panic later.
Those are Braxton Hicks, practice contractions. They come and go, are irregular and usually stop if you change position or drink water. Real labour ones get stronger, longer and closer together, thats the difference.
Oh I am living these right now, my belly goes hard like a rock then chills out again haha. Apparently its just rehearsal. Body really out here doing trial runs.
I felt these in my last weeks and got so scared thinking labour started. My doctor told me they were false ones since they faded when I rested. Such a relief honestly.
They are usually harmless practice contractions, but if they become regular, painful or come with any leaking or bleeding, call your doctor right away. When in doubt I always rang my gynac. Better to ask than assume.
My gynac said false contractions are the body practicing for labour, the belly tightens then relaxes. The key is they are irregular and dont increase in intensity. She said real labour has a clear rhythm that keeps building.
