Is It True Labor or False Labor???

You'll know by tomorrow. If it's labor it won't quit like braxton hicks does. It is more painful and more like severe cramps usually but not always. I would say if you walk around and it stops then it's not the real thing. If it gets worse and has a pattern to it like so many minutes then it should be timed and let the doctor know if it gets worse. You'll know when it's the real thing. The cramping is part of the real thing and if it's contractions the cramping will continue and get worse but if braxton hicks it will stop. I thought braxton hicks was painful until the real thing hits.

If it is true labor, the contractions will become stronger more regular and won't go away if you employ some (or all) of the following tactics:

Make sure you're hydrated, eat something, lay down on your left side or take a warm back. Doing that will usually soothe any contractions you're having.

Keep in mind that not everyone dilates or thins before going into labor. I was a "fingertip" dilated when I went into labor at 37.5 weeks...I labored hard for more than 12-14 hours before I was TWO CM! Luckily, things moved along a little more quickly after that.

Unless your water breaks or your contractions get stronger and closer togehter, I'd just mention it at your appointment tomorrow. I am sure you'll here from moms who can testify that Braxton-Hicks were much more pronounced on subsequent pregnancies.

Ditto what Suzanne said all is true to the word.....

Given that you say it's a constant pain, and that it gets better or worse according to activity (rather than just progressively worse) I'd say it's more of a close but no cigar situation :-) Also, since you said it's been going on for a few days... and you're not holding a newborn... I'd suspect the real thing will be a bit different. But like PP said, you'll know by tomorrow.

I would go up to Maternity for an NST just to be sure. That extra week in utero can mean the difference between staying in the NICU and going home with your newborn... Believe me! If you have had pre-term labor already, I would just go get it checked out. Not worth the risk.

I have had 4 pregnancies with pre-term labor and thankfully made it to 37 weeks with all of them but by the time I got there I was 3-5 cm dilated and having similar symptoms. I also spent a long time on bedrest with every pregnancy, so, better safe than sorry. The NICU is not a fun place to stay.

go to er and have them check you sounds like labor to me.; my braxton hicks would subside within 20 minutes and go away for a couple of hours or days.