Am I In Labor? -- What are Braxton Hicks, what does labor look like, and when to call your OB?

This week, the Doctors Bjorkman talk about about the signs of labor and what to be looking for when asking yourself, "Is this real labor?" In addition to discussion the signs of labor, we also talk about what Braxton Hicks contractions are, all about the stages of labor, and some key things to look for when trying to decide if your body is going into labor for real.

KEY REASONS TO CALL YOUR OB PROVIDER
- 5/1/1 (contractions every 5 minutes, lasting at least 1 minute in length, for at least 1 hour)
- Regular contractions when you are less than 37 weeks along
- You think your water broke/gush of fluid
- You have vaginal bleeding
- Severe headache, chest pain, right upper abdominal pain, vision changes, new unexplained shortness of breath
- Baby isn't moving as much as usual

**Follow along for our weekly pregnancy update on Wednesdays! We will be covering everything from TTC, infertility, prenatal care, labor and delivery, best baby gear, your baby's week by week development, postpartum concerns, and other pregnancy tips and tricks!

Intro Music: A WAY FOR ME - Nicolai Heidlas by Chem Ocampo

Keywords: labor pains, pregnancy, contractions, water broke, birth, the doctors bjorkman

[Daymickey]

You guys are so kind and informative. We need more doctors like you out there.

[ndreader]

You guys have been so helpful! I'm now 34 weeks and haven't been able to attend my area's birthing classes because limited space and my work schedule. Your videos are my birth classes!

[MommyBee]

Kurt seems so super sweet ❤️❤️❤️I wish my kids’ had such a warm, kind pediatrician!

[AriAsmrr]

“They definitely don’t call it labor for nothing” HAHA I chuckled on that part.😂 in 39 weeks right now and I’ve been having contractions all day….

[keshialashay]

Currently 36 weeks and having alot of Braxton hicks contractions. Thank you for the information

[justinesophia]

Thank you for such great and helpful information! Excited to see what’s in your hospital bag 🙌🏼

[valentinagheorghe]

I will be 21 weeks on Tuesday, but since yesterday I started having Braxton Hicks contractions (more like some medium menstrual cramps) and this really eased up my anxiety. Thank you!

[meglupo]

I just want to know what it feels like. No one will tell you what it feels like.

[parrotsandmore]

I am the 5%! I gave birth on my due date 3 times. And my 4th, I gave birth 2 days before my due date!

[shinyhunteralana]

I learned more watching in these videos than in Health class lol

[Ahlondraa]

Hey guys, love all the information I been obtaining from the videos. Super informative.
I’m 37 weeks and I been having cramping for 2 days, it’s my second child, yet I didn’t experience this. You guys think it’s labor or Braxton hicks. They aren’t 5 minutes apart and mild pain. I also have a lot of pressure down there. Thank you

[janakristinewithak]

I just started working in an ob gyn office as a nurse and I’m loving this content!!

[imeldamelgoza]

Hi I would like more also about something called back labor. I have had two pregnancy’s and both I had back labor. My second delivery they placed the belt contraction monitor on my belly and they said they were not picking up many contractions, but I sure did feel a lot more of what they said their monitor show so once they checked my dilation I was at 7cm as soon as i arrived to the hospital my delivery was so fast, I had both my babies without epidural. But what do I need to know about back labor and future delivery, what are good things I should mention or ask my OB/GYN
Love all the information you both provide!!!!

[neilbarroga]

New subscriber her doc, just asking any meducation for high prolactin

[linkinpark]

I’ve been having Braxton Higgs for an hour or so at a time and I’m almost 36 weeks. My uterus feels really dense and tight for around an hour and then it’ll go away but it’ll come back. Is that normal? :) Thank you

[angelbasham]

I've noticed you said most placentas come about 30 mins after born is born for me it came out right after baby is born or took two hours I'm almost 35 weeks pregnant with baby no 7 💙

[shrutijadhav]

Getting braxton hicks everyday and night is common after 30 weeks?

[ashlieleavelle]

My Doctor advises the 5:1:1 too. I am curious, when 1st time mothers hit that point, about how dilated are they when arriving at the Hospital?

[amicablemonster]

What contraction app do you recommend?

[nicolexarena]

Hello! I’m currently 36 1/2 weeks pregnant with my first and I’m not sure how to time contractions. Do you start the timer from when you first feel pain and then end the timer when the pain stops? Or start the timer when it ends and let it run until you feel the next one to stop it and to measure the time between each one?