Braxton Hicks contractions are generally less severe than regular contractions. Though Braxton Hicks can be painful sometimes, actual contractions are usually accompanied by more pain and are more regularly spaced. [3] X Research source In fact, actual contractions will move closer together as time passes. [4] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source If you’re having more than eight contractions in an hour or more than four in 20 minutes, your contractions are likely not Braxton Hicks. [5] X Trustworthy Source American Academy of Family Physicians Organization devoted to improving the health of patients, families, and communities Go to source If you are having contractions and are worried, don’t be afraid to call your doctor. She’ll be better able to determine whether you are having false contractions or regular contractions. [6] X Research source
You can also try drinking more fluids or getting extra rest to help alleviate these contractions over time. [8] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source
In a more severe case, your water may break. In that case, you should notice watery discharge from your vagina. It may gush all at once or be a slow leak. [14] X Research source You should especially be looking for changes in your vaginal discharge. [15] X Research source Some discharge is normal during pregnancy. In your second trimester, you’re likely to see white, thin discharge. This discharge is acidic in nature, as it tries to stave off bad bacteria and yeast in your vaginal area. [16] X Research source In your third trimester, you’re likely to see heavier discharge near the end of the pregnancy. [17] X Research source If you’ve been having normal discharge, but it suddenly changes, call your doctor. Also, look for an increase in thickness or the amount of mucus. [18] X Research source
Stay clean by showering or bathing daily. However, skip beauty products that might irritate your vaginal area, such as bubble baths or feminine sprays. Also, skip douching. [20] X Research source Douching tends to change the levels of bacteria in your vaginal area, which can let the bad ones take over. [21] X Research source Keep the area breathable. Skip clothing that is too tight, as that can make you hotter down there. Instead, wear breathable fabrics such as cotton, and keep it loose. [22] X Research source Practice safe sex. If you or your partner is having sex with other people, use barriers when having sex. Researchers aren’t clear why there is a connection between sex and infections; however, they are sure there is a connection. Also, practicing safe sex will protect you and the baby from sexually transmitted diseases. [23] X Research source Skip tampons completely while pregnant. When using pads, use unscented ones without dyes. [24] X Research source
If you’re underweight to begin with (with a BMI less than 18. 5), you should gain 28 to 40 pounds. If you’re of average weight (with a BMI of 18. 5 to 24. 9), you should gain 25 to 35 pounds. If you’re in the overweight category (25 to 29. 9), you can gain 15 to 25 pounds. Finally, if you’re above a BMI of 30, you can gain 11 to 20 pounds. [26] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source Nutrition is also important. Make sure you are eating a balanced diet that includes protein, fruits, vegetables, low-fat dairy, and whole grains. Ask your doctor for a more comprehensive list if you are unsure about what you should eat. [27] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source
Try deep breathing. Close your eyes. Focus completely on your breathing. Take a deep breath in, counting to four. Breath out, counting to four. Keep focusing on your breathing until you feel yourself calm down. Use visualization. With this technique, you take a journey with your senses. Imagine yourself some place you’re happy and relaxed, such as the mountains. Think about the smell of the pines, the cool air on your skin, and the sounds of the birds. Imagine as many details as you can. [32] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source
Other pregnancy complications include gestational diabetes and too much amniotic fluid. [35] X Research source Problems with the placenta can also cause preterm labor,[36] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source such as placental abruption. [37] X Research source Another issue could be if your uterus is not shaped normally. [38] X Trustworthy Source University of Rochester Medical Center Leading academic medical center in the U. S. focused on clinical care and research Go to source Your doctor should be checking you for all these issues so that she will know if you are at risk.
Even something as small as gum disease can put you at risk for preterm labor. In fact, when you get pregnant, you have a higher chance of developing gum disease because of the hormones in your body. [41] X Research source Pay extra attention to dental health while pregnant, by flossing, brushing, and using mouthwash twice a day at least.
If you have a history of a preterm delivery, your doctor can talk to you about the medications available to help prevent this from happening again.
