Content

• To step
• Part 1 of 3: Distinguishing between pre-contractions and real contractions
• Part 2 of 3: Dealing with pre-contractions
• Part 3 of 3: Knowing when to call a doctor
• Tips
• Warnings

Pre-contractions are contractions of the abdomen that can easily be interpreted as real contractions. They are caused by your uterus contracting and relaxing in preparation for labor, but they do not indicate that labor has already started. Pre-contractions can occur as early as the second trimester, but are more common in the third trimester. Every pregnant woman will experience contractions, but not everyone feels them. Pre-contractions are progressing faster and more intensively towards the end of pregnancy, often mistaking them for real contractions.

To step

Part 1 of 3: Distinguishing between pre-contractions and real contractions

1. Locate the pain. Do you feel the contraction like a band contracting around your stomach? Then it is probably a pretext. True contractions usually start in the lower back and move to the front of the abdomen, or from the abdomen to the lower back.
   • Real contractions are often described as similar to menstrual cramps.
   • Lower back pain that comes and goes and pressure on the pelvis are often signs that the contractions are real.
2. Assess the pain. Are the contractions uncomfortable or really painful? Do they get more and more painful with each contraction? Pre-contractions aren't usually that painful and don't get more painful with each contraction. Usually they remain weak or start out strong and then decrease in intensity.
   • Real contractions will gradually intensify.
3. Record the time between contractions. Pre-contractions are often irregular. They do not grow towards each other. True contractions occur at regular intervals and become more frequent, starting with 15-20 minutes between each other and progressively intensifying until they follow each other every 5 minutes. Real contractions last for 30-90 seconds.
4. Change position. If you get contracted while sitting down, try walking around a bit. If you are walking or standing up, sit down. A pre-contraction will often stop when you change position. Real contractions will not stop when you move and often they will intensify when you walk.
5. Know where you are in your pregnancy. If you are less than 37 weeks old, your contractions will likely be pre-contractions. If you are past week 37 and are experiencing other symptoms such as frequent urination, loose stools, vaginal spots, or loss of the mucus plug, they are probably real contractions.
   • Actual contractions before week 37 may indicate a preterm birth; contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having early real contractions.

Part 2 of 3: Dealing with pre-contractions

1. Take a walk. If the pre-contractions make you uncomfortable, move so that they disappear on their own. If you have already walked, you can sit down to make them stop.
2. Relax. Get a massage, take a bath, or simply rest to ease your contractions. Reading, listening to music, and taking naps can all come in handy.
   • If you can sleep through the contractions, they probably aren't real contractions.
3. Know your triggers. Pre-contractions are a healthy exercise of your uterus to prepare for labor. They occur naturally, but some pregnant women believe they are triggered by certain activities. You can experience pre-contractions after exercise or after intensive activities. Sometimes they are triggered by sex or by an orgasm. Some people experience pre-contractions when they are overtired or dehydrated.
   • Getting to know your triggers will allow you to recognize pre-contractions for what they are.
   • Pre-contractions should not be avoided, but they can be a good reminder to drink plenty of water and get plenty of rest.

Part 3 of 3: Knowing when to call a doctor

1. Call your doctor when you experience signs of actual labor. If your contractions occur every five minutes for more than an hour or if your water breaks, you should call your healthcare provider. If you are not sure if the signs are there, a doctor or nurse can help identify them over the phone or in person.
   • You may not need to rush to the hospital immediately, but calling will help you determine the next steps.
   • False alarms are common, especially with first pregnancies. Don't worry about making fun of yourself by going to the hospital early; this is part of the experience.
2. Call when you notice early signs of labor. If before week 36 you feel like labor has started, you should see your healthcare provider. If you have these signs before week 36 along with vaginal spots, you should call immediately.
   • If you experience vaginal bleeding instead of spots, you should contact your healthcare provider at any time during pregnancy.
3. Call the doctor if your baby seems to be moving less than usual. If your baby is kicking regularly, lack of exercise may require medical attention. If you don't feel at least 10 movements within a two-hour period, or if the movements have slowed down significantly, call your doctor.

Tips

• Emptying your bladder or taking Tylenol can also help make you feel more comfortable.
• Sharp, gnawing pain on the sides of your abdomen probably isn't the real birth. This pain is called ligament pain and can spread into your groin. They are caused by the stretching of the ligaments that support your uterus. To ease this pain, try changing your position or being less or more active.
• Anxiety can make discomfort seem more annoying than it is. If this is your first pregnancy, or if you have already gone through a very traumatic pregnancy, you may be more likely to experience false contractions. Avoid stressful situations and get plenty of rest throughout pregnancy. Talking about your concerns about your pregnancy can bring some relief.

Warnings

• It is important to understand that there is nothing wrong with contacting your doctor. If something feels wrong, call a doctor.
• It's crucial to call a doctor if you have vaginal bleeding, continuous fluid loss, contractions that occur every five minutes for more than an hour, or if you experience less than 10 movements of your baby every two hours.