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A 40-year-old member asked:

How do i know the difference between braxton hicks contractions and preterm labor?

2 doctor answers2 doctors weighed in
Dr. Braden Richmond
Obstetrics and Gynecology 31 years experience
The location matters: If the contraction can be 'located' to a certain part of the uterus, and not the whole uterus, then it is a braxton-hicks contraction. If the entire uterus contracts, it is a true contraction.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
Dr. Nikolaos Zacharias
Maternal-Fetal Medicine 28 years experience
Pain & frequency: True labor is generally painful, or at least associated with pelvic pressure and/or backache. True contractions come every 5-10 minutes, whereas false contractions of braxton-hicks come every 30 minutes. If in doubt, consult your obstetrician asap.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.

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Last updated Aug 20, 2014
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