Does True Labor Start Out like Braxton Hicks...?

Mine were very minor at first. In the lower back like menstrual cramps. I didn't even know I was in labor and was dilated to 4cm. Whoa right!? When you can't breathe easily from start to finish for one complete contraction you'll know!!

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Mine were very minor at first. In the lower back like menstrual cramps. I didn't even know I was in labor and was dilated to 4cm. Whoa right!? When you can't breathe easily from start to finish for one complete contraction you'll know!!

YUP.
Nope.
Start to time them when you notice
that there have been a bunch of them . . .
more than usual.
Like Braxton-Hicks.
You may feel like you need to have a bowel movement.
Remember to B-R-E-A-T-H-E.
Apparently you didn't have an opportunity to take a birth prep class.
But it's not too late to read some books.
Look for LaMaze or Bradley.

They feel just like the Braxton Hicks but a few decibels stronger. You WILL notice the difference. It will keep happening and it will draw your attention for sure. Your tummy will just get as hard as a rock and it could last a few seconds or a few minutes before it softens back up again. Then another one will come, and you'll time how long it lasts and then how long before the next one. It's fun actually. You'll be able to call some friends and family and tell them you are in labor. I waited a pretty long time before leaving the house. When they start coming at 10 minutes apart for about an hour that would be a safe time to get over to the Maternity ward Mommy And it's so exciting because you know when you leave your house you will be coming home with a beautiful baby in your arms. Just gets me all tingly thinking about it! Congrats!

With my second pregnancy I had a pain shoot up my back and that was the beginning of my labor with her. I did not ever get to the point of timing them because I was scheduled for a c-sec the next morning. When we got to the hospital they told me I was in labor. This was about 12 hours after the original pain that went up my back. Trust me, that pain is completely different from any braxton hicks I ever had. It was a lot more intense and it made me stand straight up! I hope this helps!

Everyone is different. My initial contractions weren't painful, but strong. I also felt really strange right before they started, so I knew something was up. My doctor told me to time them when they started getting close together, and that when they were five minutes apart for more than 1 hour I should call the doctor.
You know more than you think you know. Listen to your body and follow you instincts. My first child came very quickly and I had to argue with the doctor to let me go to the hospital (they wanted to send me home). The baby came within an hour of arriving at the hospital!

it starts that way yes, then gradually gets more painful.

True labor will get your attention. It depends on you if you notice it at first, the first contractions might not - but at SOME point You will notice they are happening regularly and building in intensity. Braxton hicks are random and they happen in various intensities. Some are so light you don't notice them, every now and then you might get a contraction that knocks your socks off.

I am 38 weeks and 4 days right now with my 4th child. Last night I had regular contractions 2-4 minutes apart for about an hour... but they didn't build in intensity.

If you start to have regular contractions - drink lots of water and put your feet up. Lay on your left side. If the contractions go away, its not real labor. Real labor won't go away :)

Everyone's body is different, and may, therefore, respond differently in labor. My contractions with both of my children began with out pain at all. My belly became very tight and a few seconds later, would release. From my experience, I would tell you to note the time you begin feeling these mild contractions...but there's really no need to time them until you begin feeling moderate pain (enough that you cannot comfortably breathe through them). ..or until your membrames rupture. Congratulations and good luck!! :)