Is it Real Labor: Braxton Hicks Contractions, False Labor & Prodromal Labor | Episode 37

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Today we're diving into all things contractions - because if you're in your third trimester (or gearing up for it), you're probably starting to feel those tightenings and wondering, "What the heck is this? Is it real labor?" I share personal stories and break down each of these contractions to help you understand the signs of real vs. false labor contractions.

The four types of labor contractions:

1. Braxton Hicks:those practice ones that can start early but are totally stoppable with rest or hydration.
2. Prodromal labor:the exhausting, ongoing pattern that feels real but doesn't change your cervix yet.
3. False labor:painful and regular, but it fizzles out on its own.
4. True labor:the real deal that gets stronger, longer, and closer together, often with signs like bloody show or pressure.

The goal here is to arm you with knowledge so you're not discouraged by these labor contractions that aren’t quite the real thing, yet. Your body's prepping like a pro, even if it's annoying. We touch on tips for managing them, like fetal positioning exercises or boosting oxytocin through rest and relaxation to potentially flip things into real labor. If you're unsure when to head to the hospital, don't sweat it - that's what OB triage is for, no apologies needed if you "get it wrong." This is part one, so stick around for part two where we'll tackle timing contractions, using your history and signs to decide when it's go-time, whether you're hospital-bound, birthing at home, or heading to a center.

More from this episode:

Read the blog: The Miles Circuit: Can it Induce Labor?

Listen to Episode 10: The Emotional Signposts of Labor

Helpful Timestamps:

1. 00:00 Introduction to Labor Contractions
2. 03:25 Types of Contractions
3. 10:03 Braxton Hicks Contractions
4. 16:20 Understanding Prodromal Labor
5. 18:22 False Labor Explained
6. 20:17 Fetal Positioning and Labor
7. 23:30 Real Labor: Signs and Symptoms
8. 28:17 When to Go to the Hospital
9. 32:42 Conclusion and Encouragement

About your host:

🩺🤰🏻Lo Mansfield, MSN, RNC-OB, CLC is a registered nurse, mama of 4, and a birth, baby, and motherhood enthusiast. She is both the host of the Lo & Behold podcast and the founder of The Labor Mama.

For more education, support and “me too” from Lo, please visit her website and check out her online courses and digital guides for birth, breastfeeding, and postpartum/newborns. You can also follow @thelabormama and @loandbehold_thepodcast on Instagram and join her email list here.

For more pregnancy, birth, postpartum and motherhood conversation each week, be sure to subscribe to The Lo & Behold podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you prefer to listen!

👉🏼 A request: If this episode meant something to you, would you consider a 5 star rating and leaving us a review? Yes, we read them, and yes, they help keep L & B going! ♥️

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Disclaimer

Opinions shared by guests of this show are their own, and do not always reflect those of The Labor Mama platform. Additionally, the information you hear on this podcast or that you receive via any linked resources should not be considered medical advice. Please see our full disclaimer here.

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Produced and Edited by Vaden Podcast Services

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