Real or false labour?

[Jackie26jones1]

Hiya. Im 36 weeks pregnant and this morning i was woken up at 12:05am with pain in my stomach. Its only at the front on my lower bump and it went really tight. I kept havin them every 7-8 mins and were lasting for about 45-60 seconds. It didnt matter if i walked sat up laid on my left or right side or my back the pain was still the same. It felt like a period type pain but a bit worse. Some were more painful than others. They now seem to be every 8-9 mins amd lasting 30-40 seconds. Is this whats called braxton hicks. Many thanks for the replys xx

[Krissy318]

You could be in the beginning stages of labor. If they get closer like 4-5 minutes then you should call your doctor or go to the hospital.

[Jackie26jones1]

Thank u for your reply. I wasnt sure as when i read bout it on the internet that says true labour is in your back as well but mine doesnt hurt in my back. Ill keep an eye on it. Thank u again

[stacey10]

if you have a back ache labour, thats normally due to your baby being in the postieror position, unless thes get closer together are regular and get more painful they are probably b/hicks, as these can often be mistaken for early labour. If you hop into a nice warm bath or shower if they are b/hicks you will find that they settle down

[adgal]

If in doubt at all, give your Dr. a call.  If it is real labor, at 36 weeks, your Dr. may choose to try to stop it (NOT because anything would be wrong at all with your little one, just most Dr's prefer at least 37 weeks if possible).  Labor is a bit different for everyone, so don't be embarrassed to call your Dr. or head in for a check if you need to.  

[ChristineMP]

I have had two children and do not recall having any back pain during contractions with either. In fact, the contractions with my son felt exactly the same as the Braxton-Hicks contractions I had been having for the month or so before I had him (started with the top of my uterus becoming rock hard and traveled downward). In fact, they weren't regular either. Then my water broke and he was born 41 minutes later :)

If you are having more than 4 contractions in an hour, you should let your doctor know. If your contractions continue when you change activity, that is usually a sign that they are NOT BH. I was having painful contractions, frequently, that started in my back and came around to the front...but they went away when I laid down...real labor will continue regardless of your activity.