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3rd Trimester
BH vs. labor contractions reference guide
The differences between Braxton-Hicks and true labor contractions
Braxton-Hicks (False Labor) ContractionsTrue Labor ContractionsIrregular and remain irregularDon't get closer together as time passesOften are weak and stay that way (might have stronger contractions followed by weaker ones)Stop when you rest, walk, or change positionsVary in length and intensityDon't affect your cervixPain usually felt only in the frontRegular intervals or regular patternGrow closer together over timeIncrease in strength/intensity over timeKeep coming no matter what you doUsually last 30 to 90 seconds (shorter when they begin and get progressively longer and stronger)Cause cervix to dilate (open)Pain begins in back and moves to front.
Braxton-Hicks (False Labor) ContractionsTrue Labor ContractionsIrregular and remain irregularDon't get closer together as time passesOften are weak and stay that way (might have stronger contractions followed by weaker ones)Stop when you rest, walk, or change positionsVary in length and intensityDon't affect your cervixPain usually felt only in the frontRegular intervals or regular patternGrow closer together over timeIncrease in strength/intensity over timeKeep coming no matter what you doUsually last 30 to 90 seconds (shorter when they begin and get progressively longer and stronger)Cause cervix to dilate (open)Pain begins in back and moves to front.