Difference between Braxton Hicks & Pre Labour

[Danielle_NZ]

I think I've found the answer on a page called "]What is pre-labor like?" I thought it was best to post in case anyone else searches for this information.

Another event you may notice is the increase of irregular rhythmic contractions known as Braxton-Hicks. These contractions are important for preparing your uterine muscle for the upcoming labor and birth. Muscle is strengthened by use, and these irregular contractions are effectively biceps curls for your uterus. Although some women are troubled by Braxton-Hicks contractions, most find them painless.

Sometimes the Braxton-Hicks come at regular intervals for a few hours. That is ok. This used to be called false labor, but that term is misleading because although it will not end with your baby in your arms, your body is doing real work during this time. A better term is pre-labor, which refers to the work your body does to prepare for labor. You will know when it becomes real labor because the contractions will be less than 10 minutes apart, getting progressively closer together and progressively stronger. If you are unsure, change your activity or eat to see if that has an effect on the contractions. If by changing your activity level or eating a small snack you find your contractions slow down or spread out, you will know that this is pre-labor.

[sasha]

I've been having pre-labour for a good 10 days or so now; I know it's not the 'real thing' because it's not regular, and if I lie down/sleep, the contractions go away (damnit!) The main difference I've noticed between normal BH and this, is these contractions are MUCH more full on. Uncomfortable to the point of being almost painful. Certainly not as painful as full-on labour, but enough to make me go, 'ooh!' when they happen

Anytime the Real Thing wants to set in is just fine with me, though...

[*LittleMissSummer*]

I found the difference being that the BH in pre labour were more intense and were somewhat regular. I had them every 10 mins for a whole day and they just stopped. I also had other symptoms such as night sweats, jittery, couldnt sleep and others i cant think of right now.

I only knew i was in real labour when my waters broke. Oh and the REAL painful contractions started lol

[Danielle_NZ]

I've mainly been confused due to the fact that BH are meant to go away when you change position or you carry on with every day life... mine don't... they can come every 5 - 7 minutes for over 3 hours and are increasing in pain from one section of BH to the next... ie todays hurt more than yesterdays did... and they are definately getting to the stage where I gets the whole "owwie" at the tip of the tighten before it eases down

[bubno.3]

mmm that sounds very suspicious of pre labour .... have fun lol

[MrsBexie]

agreed!! BH are meant to be painless (mine weren't but they hurt cause they tightened my tummy heaps) and pre labour felt like period pains! Then realy CX felt like REALLY bad period pains!

[bubno.3]

i had prelabour for weeks and it started at 35 weeks stop start and i delivered finally at 39.4 weeks( 41 wks LMP )