Braxton Hicks vs. real labor contractions

Obstetrician Paul Crane, MD, shares advice on how to tell the difference between Braxton Hicks contractions and real contractions that lead to labor
Difference Between Braxton Hicks and Real Labor Contractions
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Braxton Hicks vs. real labor contractions

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Braxton Hicks contractions are contractions that don't lead to labor. So when one starts having contractions, if they're not very frequent and not very painful, then there's a good chance that they will be Braxton Hicks. But if they proceed to get stronger, more frequent, and continue, then it might just be the beginning of early labor. If one is up on their feet and walks and they get farther apart, then they're more likely to be Braxton Hicks. If one gets on their feet and walks and they get closer and stronger, then it's more likely to be labor. But ultimately if they stop, then they were Braxton Hicks, and they continue into labor, then they're labor.

Obstetrician Paul Crane, MD, shares advice on how to tell the difference between Braxton Hicks contractions and real contractions that lead to labor

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Paul Crane, MD

Obstetrician

Paul Crane, MD, is a board-certified Obstetrician and Gynecologist and has practiced for more than 30 years. He specializes in natural childbirth and VBAC births in his practice in Beverly Hills. Paul is the father of six children ranging in age from 18 to 40. In his free time, he enjoys photography. Even after 30 years, one of his favorite things to do is deliver babies. 

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Transcription: 
Braxton Hicks contractions are contractions that don't lead to labor. So when one starts having contractions, if they're not very frequent and not very painful, then there's a good chance that they will be Braxton Hicks. But if they proceed to get stronger, more frequent, and continue, then it might just be the beginning of early labor. If one is up on their feet and walks and they get farther apart, then they're more likely to be Braxton Hicks. If one gets on their feet and walks and they get closer and stronger, then it's more likely to be labor. But ultimately if they stop, then they were Braxton Hicks, and they continue into labor, then they're labor.