Braxton-Hicks Contractions

Week 18:

Yipee! We are leaving for Alaska tomorrow!Binaculors,Camcorder,Mt.clothes,Ponchos - everything is ready & packed to go! I was hoping to find a TJ's or a Wholefoods in Anchorage and around the places we are visiting....found non...hope I find a good organic store in Anc... I luv to chow down on those Chicken Ceasar Wraps & other healthy ready-to-eat goodies..... BTW, my belly's girth is 43"!
Will check back on you guys after 9th!
Adios Amigos!

True Labor vs. Braxton Hicks

Braxton Hicks	True Labor
Contractions don't get closer together.	Contractions do get closer together.
Contractions don't get stronger.	Contractions do get stronger.
Contractions tend to be felt only in the front.	Contractions tend to be felt all over.
Contractions don't last longer.	Contractions do last longer.
Walking has no effect on the contractions.	Walking makes the contractions stronger.
Cervix doesn't change with contractions.	Cervix opens and thins with contractions.

Symptoms:
Episodes of tightening of the uterine muscles are called Braxton-Hicks contractions. Although these contractions start very early in pregnancy, most women do not really notice them until the second half of their pregnancy. These usually mild contractions are thought to play a part in toning the uterine muscles and promoting the flow of blood to the placenta. Some people call them practice contractions.
Triggers:
Braxton-Hicks contractions can be triggered when you (or your baby) move or when your belly is touched. They may also occur when you are dehydrated, or when you or the baby are very active, if someone touches your belly, When your bladder is full, after sex, dehydration.
Each Braxton-Hicks contraction may last one to two minutes. During this time, the whole uterus becomes hard. This may feel strange and sometimes uncomfortable.