Here's How to Distinguish Real and Fake Contractions

One of the signs that indicate you are about to give birth is when the uterus feels tight for a few moments, then relaxes again. However, not all contractions are a sign of labour. It could be that the contractions you are experiencing are just fake contractions. False contractions or Braxton-Hicks contractions are a sign that your body is preparing or training for labor. However, these contractions do not signal that your labor is imminent.

Recognizing False and Actual Contractions

So, so you don't get fooled by fake contractions, let's know the difference with real contractions from the following things:

1. Time of contraction

Braxton-Hicks contractions or false contractions usually begin in the third trimester, but some women may experience them in the second trimester of pregnancy. These contractions are more common in the afternoon or evening, especially after strenuous physical activity or when pregnant women are tired. While the original contractions generally occur when the gestational age is 40 weeks. If the original contractions appear before 37 weeks of gestation, the expectant mother may give birth to a premature baby.

2. The sensation of contraction felt

When false contractions occur, the tightening is usually only felt in the lower abdomen and groin. Whereas in the original contraction, the tightening will feel wider, starting from the lower back and then spreading to all parts of the abdomen. Some women describe the sensation of genuine contractions as menstrual cramps or a very strong feeling of heartburn.

In addition, false contractions will usually also subside or even disappear if you move or walk. However, in the original contraction, moving or walking can actually make the complaints worse. You can also tell the difference between fake and real contractions from their intensity. The tummy tuck that occurs with false contractions will usually feel lighter as the pregnancy progresses.

3. Duration of contraction

False contractions usually last for varying lengths of time, from less than 30 seconds to about 2 minutes, at irregular intervals. While the original contractions generally only last about 30 to 70 seconds, the intervals between contractions are regular and get shorter over time.

In the original contractions, the tummy tuck feels stable, it can even appear more often, feels heavier, and lasts longer as labor approaches. Experiencing false contractions during pregnancy is normal and not something to worry about, so medical treatment is not required. If these contractions make you uncomfortable, you can relieve them by getting more rest, taking a warm bath, trying a pregnant woman's massage, or doing light exercise, such as walking around the house.

Although fake and real contractions can be distinguished from the above, sometimes it can be difficult to know for sure what contractions you are feeling. Therefore, you should immediately consult a doctor if you experience contractions before 37 weeks of gestation, or if contractions occur every 5 to 6 minutes, accompanied by bleeding from the vagina, and rupture of the membranes. It could be that these symptoms indicate danger signs of pregnancy.

In order to determine the type of uterine contractions felt by pregnant women as well as monitor the condition of the fetus, doctors can carry out examinations, one of which is cardiotocography.