So when do Braxton Hicks cross over into being contractions?!

[firsttimer78]

Hello there,
I'm 38+6 and have been having pretty constant BH since about this time last night. Majority of them are uncomfortable (increasingly so) with a few that are definitely getting into the 'ouch' category, coming roughly every 10 mins, sometimes closer together. No other signs e.g. a show or waters breaking although do feel mildly nauseous and had lots of pain in fanjo! So, just things practicing or the very early stages - whaddya reckon?? Oh, had reflexology with midwife today and head is 4/5 engaged.

[detoxdiva]

In my experience, if they are coming and going, with some 10 mins apart and some more or less, the these are BH at the moment. Time them - from the start of one to the start of the next, and also for how long the pain lasts for.

Obv everyone is different, but I knew when labour had started as even the early feelings and pain were different from anything I had felt before. I had aches in my back and thigh which came every 10 mins building to clear stomach contractions.

Good luck!

[firsttimer78]

Thanks diva! Had a few niggles in my back earlier but just been to yoga which seems to have helped that for now. Will try to keep note of times etc. Patience not being one of my strengths I'm probably making this into more than it actually is! :)

[TheBreastmilksOnMe]

Have a looky at this sight here, it might explain a lot to you: warm-up labour

[TheBreastmilksOnMe]

And type in 'contraction timer' into google. A very useful device!

[detoxdiva]

At the risk of sounding like a patronising old mother, you will know when you're in labour . Can't remember how many helpful people told me that when I was expecting

The time thing is helpful - when I wrote them down with dd and could see that I was getting the same ache in my thigh/stomach every 10 mins exactly, and it was lasting for 30 seconds every time, that's when I had to accept it was happening!

[jenpet]

Both my labours started with Braxton Hicks which got gradually stronger - although I had the BH for many weeks before too. For me the change to "real" contractions came with increased pain, rather than just the tensing kind of sensation iyswim. Good luck!

[firsttimer78]

Thanks!

[katster37]

In my experience, they don't! I had loads of BHs from about 30 weeks, but from 37 or so, they were really intense and frequent. I was constantly thinking I was in labour. But the day I actually was, the feeling was totally different - bad back ache which came and went, and was quickly unmistakable as 'real' labour. Are yours getting more frequent? If they are, maybe it's the real thing now?

[firsttimer78]

They're coming in fits and starts. Nothing for an hour or two then an hour-ish where they're every couple of minutes and getting more painful. Ah well! Going to check hospital bag and make DH read birth plan just in case!! :o

[smilehomebirth]

Can't remember first time, but second time was exactly as jenpet said.

[greenbeanie]

Both my labours started with episodes of braxton hicks, often lasting for 5 hours+ and quite close together, around 3 minutes. This went on for around 2 weeks before delivery. Then during the braxton hicks I got a very painful contraction and my waters went, labour proper then started. It was the same for me both times.

[firsttimer78]

Just more of the same! Got really sore back today, but DH and I have been cooking up batches of food to stick in the freezer so probably been stood up for too long. Looks like I could be here for a while if Greenbeanie's experience is anything to go by! :(

[firsttimer78]

Knowing my luck then I'll get going just as strictly starts! :o