Which feature most strongly suggests true labor contractions rather than Braxton Hicks?

Which feature most strongly suggests true labor contractions rather than Braxton Hicks?

• A. Contractions relieve with walking
• B. Contractions last about 30 seconds
• C. Contractions felt in the lower back
• D. Contractions occur primarily in the abdomen and groin

Answer: (C)

The key idea is how true labor usually presents in pattern and location. True labor contractions typically start in the lower back and sweep around to the abdomen, and they become longer, stronger, and more regular over time as cervical changes occur. This back-to-abdominal progression is the strongest clue that labor is underway. Braxton Hicks contractions, by contrast, tend to be felt mainly in the abdomen or groin, are irregular, and don’t reliably intensify or become regular. So feeling contractions in the lower back points most clearly to true labor, while abdominal or groin-focused contractions are more characteristic of Braxton Hicks.

The key idea is how true labor usually presents in pattern and location. True labor contractions typically start in the lower back and sweep around to the abdomen, and they become longer, stronger, and more regular over time as cervical changes occur. This back-to-abdominal progression is the strongest clue that labor is underway. Braxton Hicks contractions, by contrast, tend to be felt mainly in the abdomen or groin, are irregular, and don’t reliably intensify or become regular. So feeling contractions in the lower back points most clearly to true labor, while abdominal or groin-focused contractions are more characteristic of Braxton Hicks.