Braxton Hicks (False labor)

Salam,

I've read about it before but never pay attention to it until.....................................................................................................................
I experienced it 2 days ago.

On Friday night, I felt a sharp pain under my tummy and also some sort of contractions. I thought that it would go away but then I couldn't sleep well that night. After 2 hours (by 5 a.m.) we decided to go to UMMC (PPUM). The doctors checked and said that it was still too early to deliver since it was opened about 2 cm.

So, they sent me to the ante-natal ward for the observation. They kept checking on me and asked if I could feel the regular contractions. I only had irregular contractions which were about every 10-15 minutes. Then, it would go away and I could do other things. Yesterday evening, my hubby asked if I could be discharged since I've waited for more than 18 hours there. The doctors decided that I had to be patient and waited for another day! I started to feel restless and bored waiting for the moment. My MIL also went to the hospital to ask about my condition. As an experienced ex-nurse (now a lecturer in a nursing college), she also asked her good friend, an obstetrician. He said that it's better to listen to the doctors advice there and maybe it was not time for me to deliver yet.

This morning, alhamdulillah the MO (medical officer) agreed to let me go home and rest. He warned that I have to be careful as it might not be long to the real labor as it can happen any time soon. I was so happy to some back home as I missed my daughters so much. I've never really been away from them. Now I know what's Braxton Hick is and for those who are also expecting, I think you should also read about this to save you from going too early to the hospital like me.

How to tell the difference between Braxton Hicks and the real labor pain:

Braxton Hicks contractions:

• are infrequent, usually happening no more than once or twice an hour, a few times a day;
• often stop if you change activity, so, walk around if you've been sitting, and vice versa;
• are usually irregular, and if they are regular they only stay that way for a short spell;
• do not last long, usually less than a minute;
• continue to be unpredictable and non-rhythmic;
• do not increase in intensity.

Compared to Braxton Hicks contractions, labour contractions are usually:

• noticeably longer;
• more regular;
• more frequent;
• more painful;
• keep on going, increasing in frequency, duration and intensity as time goes on.

 Taken from this SOURCE.