Your body is doing a lot of things to get ready for your baby's arrival.
This includes "practice" contractions, or you may also hear them called Braxton Hicks.
Braxton Hicks contractions usually go away when you're resting.
And they don't get stronger.
They're a normal, safe, and natural part of pregnancy.
For some women... including women who may have had preterm labor before or who have problems with their uterus or cervix...
early contractions can mean they're in preterm labor.
Preterm labor is labor that comes too early--between 20 and 37 weeks of pregnancy.
Most pregnancies last about 40 weeks.
It can be hard to know if the contraction is your body practicing or if you're in labor.
After you learn the signs, you can feel a little more confident about telling the difference.
First, it can help to know what's happening in your body.
Practice contractions happen in the uterus... but when the cervix changes...
or begins to open... that's called labor.
And here's how it can feel...
Preterm labor contractions feel strong... like a deep menstrual cramp.
And the contractions usually don't stop even when you're resting.
And they're often regular.
You can time these contractions.
You may feel pressure in your pelvis or lower belly.
It can hurt when you press on your belly.
Or there's a dull ache in your lower back.
Also watch for discharge, including blood-streaked mucus...
called "bloody show."
And you may have vaginal bleeding.
If you're having any of these signs... or you're feeling that something is "off"...
call your doctor or midwife.
They may want to see you, because they can't always tell over the phone.
One of the things they'll check is if your cervix is changing.
And if you go in and it's not labor, and you're sent home, that's okay.
It happens.
And being in preterm labor doesn't mean you will have your baby early.
The contractions can stop on their own...
or your care team may give you medicine to help slow down labor.
Remember, your care team is prepared to do everything possible to care for you and your baby.
