Are you really close to having a baby? (Signs of Labor) Let's talk about this!

Hello! You're feeling very happy and a little impatient these days, aren't you? As you get closer to having your baby, it's normal to wonder, 'Is this real labor pain or just a fake one?' This is a big question for many mothers. Today, let's talk about how to tell the difference between real labor pain and fake labor pain.

What is the difference between True Labor and False Labor / Braxton Hicks?

Now look, when you're getting closer to having a baby, your stomach suddenly feels tight, which is what we call contractions . These may feel like period cramps at first. They usually last about 30 to 60 seconds.

But sometimes, at any time during pregnancy, especially towards the end, you can feel these kinds of cramping. These are what we call false labor or Braxton Hicks contractions . These are not true labor. So it is very important to know the difference between the two. If you are not very familiar with this, or if you have even the slightest doubt, do not forget to inform your doctor or midwife immediately . That is the safest thing to do.

What exactly are the characteristics of true labor?

Okay, so let's now look at the signs of true labor , the signs you'll feel when your baby is actually coming. If you're experiencing one or more of these, it could mean your baby is getting ready to come.

How do contractions come about?

This is the main thing. In real pregnancy, contractions, that is, the tightening of the abdomen, occur according to a certain pattern.

• At first, it starts coming four times an hour or more. That means about every 15 minutes.
• Over time, the intervals between these contractions become shorter. Imagine, the pain that initially came every 15 minutes, then gradually starts coming every 10 minutes, and then even more so every 5 minutes. It's like a wave, one ends and then comes back again after a while, but the frequency increases.
• The pain also gradually increases. Although it is initially mild and bearable, over time it becomes severe.
• This pain doesn't go away even if you rest, lean, or change positions. It's still there.

How is pelvic pressure?

Another important symptom of true labor is pelvic pressure. You may feel a lot of pressure in your lower abdomen, especially toward your vagina, as if your baby is pushing hard and trying to come down. This is also a common symptom of true labor.

How does backache come about?

It's normal to experience some minor back pain during pregnancy. But the back pain that comes with childbirth is much more severe. This pain is especially felt in the lower back. For some people, this pain can be unbearable.

What is water breaking?

You've probably heard of 'the bag of waters breaking.' This is also something that happens as you get closer to delivery. It means the amniotic sac (the bag of water that surrounds the baby) bursts.

• This can suddenly cause a gush of fluid that soaks your underwear.
• Otherwise, it may feel like a steady trickle.

If your water breaks like this, it means the baby is likely to come out soon. But not everyone's water breaks right when labor starts. For some people, their water breaks even after the labor has progressed, and sometimes doctors can even break it.

Do you need to have all these features?

The important thing is, you don't have to have all of these signs at once to be in true labor. Some people may only have contractions, while others may only have their waters break. This is different for everyone. So it's important to be concerned even if you have just one sign.

So how do you recognize false labor (Braxton Hicks Contractions)?

Now you're probably wondering, 'So how do you recognize these false labor contractions, or Braxton Hicks contractions ?' This is also very important. Because it can help you avoid unnecessary fear.

The main difference is in the contractions:

• In a false labor, contractions come very irregularly (not regular). That is, one may come a long time and then another. There is no clear pattern.
• It usually comes less than four times an hour.
• Pain doesn't get worse over time. It can stay the same, or it can come and go.
• This pain may decrease or disappear when you change your position. For example, a pain that occurs when you walk may disappear when you lie down. This is not the case with true arthritis.

Simply put, these false contractions (Braxton Hicks) aren't strong enough to actually push the baby out. They're just your uterus training for the real thing.

When is it necessary to seek medical advice?

Okay, now you probably have some idea about true and false pregnancy. But no matter what, if you have the slightest doubt, if you can't figure out 'what's going on?', the best thing to do is ask a doctor. Never forget that. Because the safety of you and your baby is the most important thing.

At this time, definitely call the doctor.

• If you feel like you're really going to have a baby now, meaning you have the symptoms of true labor mentioned above, call your doctor right away. He or she will tell you what to do next. They may tell you to stay home a little longer, or they may tell you to come to the hospital.

If these things happen, go to the hospital immediately.

Now, if you have any of the symptoms I'm going to mention, you should go to the hospital's emergency room (ER/Hospital Emergency) immediately, without delay . These are not to be taken lightly.

• You have symptoms of labor, but your pregnancy is not yet 37 weeks. This means you are in preterm labor . This can be dangerous for the baby.
• If you don't feel your baby moving (baby not moving), it could mean that your baby's movements are decreasing.
• If your contractions are coming every 5 minutes or less, it means that you are in active labor .
• If you have vaginal bleeding, this can be a very dangerous sign.
• If you have sudden vision changes, a severe headache, difficulty breathing, or sudden or severe swelling – these could be signs of a dangerous condition, such as preeclampsia .

Remember as a summary (Take-Home Message)

So my friend, this time around the baby is a very special and somewhat uncertain time. The most important thing is to pay attention to your body and seek medical advice if you have any concerns.

• True labor contractions are regular, intensify over time, and do not subside even after rest.
• False labor (Braxton Hicks) contractions are irregular, not intense, and can be relieved by changing positions.
• Things like water breaking, pelvic pressure, and severe back pain are also signs of true labor.
• If you have symptoms of preeclampsia, such as miscarriage, stillbirth, heavy bleeding, or preeclampsia before 37 weeks, go to the hospital immediately.

May you find the strength and courage to complete this journey successfully! Wishing you and your baby all the best!

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