Here Is The Way To Distinguish Genuine and Fake Contractions

One sign that you are about to give birth soon is when the uterus feels tight for a few moments, then relaxes again. However, not all contractions are a sign of labor. 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 indicate that your labor is imminent.

Recognizing Fake and Original Contractions

Well, so you don't be fooled by fake contractions, let's know the difference with the original contractions of the following things:

Time of contraction

Braxton-Hicks contractions or fake contractions usually begin in the third trimester, but there are also pregnant women who feel it in the second trimester of pregnancy. These contractions occur more frequently in the afternoon or evening, especially after strenuous physical activity or when pregnant women are exhausted. While the original contractions generally occur when the womb is 40 weeks old. If the original contractions appear before 37 weeks' gestation, pregnant women may give birth prematurely.

The sensation of contraction felt

When a fake contraction occurs, usually tightening is only felt in the lower abdomen and groin. Whereas in the original contraction, tightening will feel wider, starting from the lower back and then spread to all parts of the stomach. Some women describe the original sensation of contractions such as menstrual cramps which are very strong. In addition, fake contractions will usually subside or even disappear if you move or walk. But in the original contraction, moving or walking can actually worsen the perceived complaint. You can also tell the difference between fake and original contractions from their intensity. Tightening of the abdomen that occurs in fake contractions will usually feel lighter with increasing gestational age.

The duration of contraction

False contractions usually take place in a variety of times, can be for less than 30 seconds to about 2 minutes, with irregular intervals. While the original contraction generally only lasts about 30 to 70 seconds, the intervals between the contractions are regular and get shorter with time. In the original contractions, the tightening of the abdomen feels stable, can even appear more often, feels heavier, and lasts longer before labor. Having a fake contraction during pregnancy is a natural thing and not something to worry about, so there is no need for medical treatment. If these contractions make you uncomfortable, you can relieve them by getting more rest, taking a warm bath, trying to massage a pregnant woman, or exercising lightly, such as walking inside the house. Although fake and original contractions can be distinguished from the above, sometimes it is difficult to know exactly what contractions you are feeling. Therefore, you should immediately see a doctor if you experience contractions before 37 weeks' gestation, or if contractions appear every 5 to 6 minutes, accompanied by bleeding from the vagina, and rupture of membranes. It could be that these symptoms indicate danger signs of pregnancy.