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<http://schema.org/text>
"Prodromal laborProdromal labor is a precursor to fully active labor. It starts and stops around the same time each day and has regular intervals. Prodromal labor is often mistaken for real labor. Many mothers end up going to the hospital because they think they’re ready to give birth.&amp;nbsp;A large majority of women experience prodromal labor. It varies from person to person, but prodromal labor can start anywhere from days up to a month before active labor.Many people confuse prodromal labor with Braxton-Hicks contractions. But there are major differences between the two: Braxton-Hicks contractions are practice contractions. Prodromal labor helps prepare the body for active labor. Braxton-Hicks contractions can cause an uncomfortable feeling in your abdomen. But they’re never painful. Prodromal labor can be painful for many women. Brixton-Hicks contractions are irregular and are not intense. Prodromal labor follows a regular pattern.&amp;nbsp; Braxton-Hicks contractions don’t dilate the cervix. Prodromal labor can dilate the cervix.Labor contractionsLabor contractions are the most intense contractions you’ll experience during your pregnancy. These contractions dilate your cervix up to 10 centimeters. Labor contractions signal that the time to deliver your baby is almost here.Here’s what labor contractions feel like:&amp;nbsp; You’ll feel them at your back area before they move around your torso. You might also feel them in your lower abdomen.&amp;nbsp; Your legs will cramp and ache. Some women describe contractions as strong menstrual cramps. Lightheadedness and nausea may accompany the contractions.&amp;nbsp; You might also experience chills, vomiting, gas, defecation, and hot flashes.&amp;nbsp;Labor contractions last between 45 to 60 seconds, with a 3 to 5-minute break in between. When your cervix dilates from 7 to 10 centimeters, the contractions last from 60 to 90 seconds. But keep in mind that the experience is different for every woman.&amp;nbsp;"
<https://flo.health/pregnancy/giving-birth/labor-and-delivery/what-do-contractions-feel-like>