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

Join YBYB: www.thelabormama.com/birth & use the code PODCAST to save 20%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:Braxton Hicks:those practice ones that can start early but are totally stoppable with rest or hydration.Prodromal labor:the exhausting, ongoing pattern that feels real but doesn't change your cervix yet.False labor:painful and regular, but it fizzles out on its own.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 LaborHelpful Timestamps:00:00 Introduction to Labor Contractions03:25 Types of Contractions10:03 Braxton Hicks Contractions16:20 Understanding Prodromal Labor18:22 False Labor Explained20:17 Fetal Positioning and Labor23:30 Real Labor: Signs and Symptoms28:17 When to Go to the Hospital32:42 Conclusion and EncouragementAbout 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! ♥️Connect with Lo more on: INSTAGRAM | TIK TOK | PINTEREST | FACEBOOKDisclaimerOpinions 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.Additionally, we may make a small commission from some of the links shared with you. Please know, this comes at no additional cost to you, supports our small biz, and is a way for us to share brands and products with you that we genuinely love.Produced and Edited by Vaden Podcast ServicesMentioned in this episode:YBYB 20% off ad link