in April 2025 Babies 🇺🇸

Okay how do you know if you are in early labor?

I don’t know what I’m supposed to be feeling for sure. Like I know there are Braxton hicks, prodromal contractions, and then early labor contractions. I was just kind of feeling tightness and cramping constant for the last few hours. But now it kind of is coming and going like contractions. But they are super irregular! I also had a cervical check today. So could my body just be grumpy from that?

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Drink a sh*t ton of water and it should go away. Sounds like Braxton hicks.

If they’re irregular likely just Braxton hicks

@Andrea what if they are somewhat painful?

@Cat what if they are somewhat painful?

I’d definitely call your doctor then. Could be time! Mine started getting painful and lasted a while like 145-2 mins when they first started with my first baby.

But I also had some that were a little painful a couple of days ago and they were just Braxton hicks. It’s honestly hard to tell and sometimes the only way to know is by going to get a cervical check.

@Kara I heard they can be painful. Kinda training you for what a real contraction could feel like, though it can be different for everybody. Mine are very uncomfortable but do lessening when I drink a lot of water. You might not be thirsty but your body needs it. Also, try to relax and not be too active. That also makes my Braxton hicks worse

Okay thanks ladies! Yeah I will just keep resting and drink water and see what happens in the next few hours. Would be awesome if baby was ready but don’t want to get my hopes up lol! I should probably pack the hospital bag today though 😂

Braxton Hicks do not hurt real ones do

Could definitely be irritation in part from the cervical check. If they're irregular I'd assume it's BH or whatever. It's the consistent pattern you're looking for to indicate actual labor.

https://youtu.be/75JTENDAC94?si=Zjymfx94L1IZdzjg

https://youtu.be/pk48Mn_RWYE?si=pTim8mwJej0cTIt0

I’ve been having inconsistent Crampiness (which are technically contractions but they are short and irregular) and Braxton hicks on and off for a week now. When they start growing in intensity and length and frequency enough to start tracking (can use tracking app like gentle birth contraction timer) would be more likely that you’re in true early labor. I would try your best to just be patient that baby will come when ready so you can labor at home as long as possible if that is your wish to do so and stay hydrated and nourished! 🫶🏻