How to Recognize Contractions

Step-by-Step Guide

1. 1

   Step 1: Notice if contractions are regular.

   Real labor contractions will quickly develop a pattern of duration and frequency.
   
   While the length of time that you experience the contractions and the time between them will vary, the changes will be progressive and steady.You will be able to expect when the contractions will happen.
   
   There will not be gaps of time where the contractions stop, such as an hour long break.
2. 2

   Step 2: Time contractions to track duration and frequency.

   Use a timer, clock, or watch that tracks seconds to see how long your contractions last.
   
   Labor contractions last from 30-70 seconds.
   
   Then see how much time passes between contractions to determine the frequency, which is how often your contractions are coming.
   
   As you get closer to delivery, your contractions will last longer and happen more often.Time the contractions from beginning to end.
   
   This is the duration of the contraction.
   
   The time between contractions shows the frequency., Labor contractions get more painful and longer as they progress toward the baby being born, so judge the intensity of your pain to see if it feels like it’s increasing.Use a scale of 1-10 to judge the pain as it comes.
   
   If the ratings are steadily increasing, then you may be having labor contractions. , You will feel labor contractions in your lower back and upper belly, which will differ from other types of pain associated with your pregnancy, such as Braxton Hicks contractions or stretching muscles.Pain not in your lower back or upper belly is most likely not a real labor contraction.
   
   If the pain persists, contact your health care provider immediately. , As your labor contractions progress, you will not be able to talk or laugh during the contraction.
   
   If you are able to talk or laugh, then you are probably not having labor contractions., Since your labor contractions mean that your body is getting ready for the birth of your baby, you should start to feel pressure on your pelvis that coincides with the pain of the contractions.
   
   If you’re starting to feel that pressure, then you are likely having labor contractions., With real labor contractions, you should see red or pink spotting in your underwear.
   
   Contractions can cause the blood vessels in your cervix to burst, which results in a bloody spot.
   
   With false labor, this spotting will not occur., While resting or changing positions can stop false labor pains or pain from stretching muscles, real labor contractions will not stop no matter how comfortable you make yourself.
   
   If you continue to feel pain after you get into a relaxing position, then you are likely in labor.
3. 3

   Step 3: Notice if the pain is getting more intense.

4. 4

   Step 4: Watch for radiating pain in your lower back and upper belly.

5. 5

   Step 5: Try to talk or laugh during the pain.

6. 6

   Step 6: Look for pressure on your pelvis.

7. 7

   Step 7: Check for the bloody show.

8. 8

   Step 8: Change your activity level or position to see if pain increases.

Detailed Guide

About the Author