Braxton Hicks contractions

Premature labor and delivery is the #1 reason for newborn death. You should call the doctor or go to the hospital if you have any of these symptoms or signs.

The cervix is the gateway to baby. During pregnancy, a plug covering
the cervix works like a cork holding the umbilical sac and fetus in
place in the uterus. As labor approaches, hormonal changes cause the
plug to release starting the beginning stages of labor.

She said it was time to head to the hospital. Contractions are three
minutes apart and she feels like they are getting stronger. After
about an hour, all contractions stop and your partner is given the
diagnosis – false labor – but what do you do now?

The home stretch. The last few innings. The calm before the storm –
or perhaps the storm before the hurricane. Yes, we’re talking about the
third trimester of pregnancy. This is the time you and your partner are
making final preparations.

As the end of your pregnancy approaches, you will notice
contractions from time to time. These contractions are often referred to
as Braxton Hicks or practice contractions.

Pregnancy cramps can be a scary thing for a pregnant woman. The cramps may be light and barely noticeable or strong and painful. They can signal a problem in pregnancy or be no cause for concern at all.

One of the most concerning for many pregnant women is pelvic pain. Pelvic pain can be attributed to more than just the weight of the uterus and fetus and it is not always associated with labor.

The pregnancy trimester is like a goal each pregnant woman has. During each pregnancy trimester there are milestones women achieve in their pregnancy.

When conception occurs, pregnancy hormones kick into overdrive and cause some serious changes in the female body. These changes are not limited to promoting the healthy growth of the baby.

When the first stage of labor begins, the cervix responds to hormonal changes and contractions start to take on a more patterned interval. Cervical dilation and blood show will be present as well.

The first stage, when mom starts feeling real labor pains, can last
between 10 and 14 hours. Once through this first stage, it is time for
mom to head off to the hospital.

False labor can feel much like active labor, especially for a new mother. Braxton Hicks contractions can begin in the second trimester. These contractions are used to prepare the uterus for actual birth when the time comes.

Braxton Hicks contractions are the female body’s way of preparing for birth. For a new mom, or even the seasoned mother-to-be, Braxton Hicks contractions can be difficult to sort out from real contractions that mean it’s time to give birth.

Before "true" labor begins, you may have "false" labor pains, also known as Braxton Hicks contractions.

As the pregnancy comes to a close, there are signs and symptoms mom will need to look for in order to recognize the beginning of labor.