{"id":773,"date":"2026-01-27T12:19:50","date_gmt":"2026-01-27T12:19:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/portfolio.zenkoders.com\/ai-powered\/?p=773"},"modified":"2026-04-08T22:46:44","modified_gmt":"2026-04-08T22:46:44","slug":"early-labor-signs-and-symptoms","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/portfolio.zenkoders.com\/ai-powered\/early-labor-signs-and-symptoms\/","title":{"rendered":"Early Labor Signs and Symptoms"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ad-in-text-target\" class=\"Box-w0dun1-0 article-body__ArticleBox-sc-138p7q2-2 bcZeaE eYFKbH\">\n<div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"BlockquoteVertical__QuoteBox-sc-19gd3tp-1 jhULnv\">\n<div class=\"Raw-slyvem-0 jUWxf\">\n<p><b>Key Takeaways<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Differentiate Labor:<\/b>\u00a0True labor contractions are painful, regular and increase in intensity, unlike mild, irregular Braxton Hicks (false labor).<\/li>\n<li><b>Know When to Go:<\/b>\u00a0First-time mothers should follow the &#8220;5-1-1 Rule&#8221; (contractions lasting 1 minute, every 5 minutes, for 1 hour) before heading to the hospital.<\/li>\n<li><b>Prepare for Pain:<\/b>\u00a0Practice deep breathing and mind-body relaxation techniques to manage pain effectively during early labor before hospital admission.<\/li>\n<li><b>Seek Support:<\/b>\u00a0Creating a birth plan and establishing a support team can significantly reduce stress and help you cope with the unpredictable nature of labor.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"Raw-slyvem-0 jDbFwb\">\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"Raw-slyvem-0 jDbFwb\">\n<p>The early stages of labor can be filled with a range of emotions for\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/health.usnews.com\/health-care\/patient-advice\/articles\/pregnancy-checklist\">expecting mothers<\/a>\u00a0including pain and uncertainty. Preparing yourself for the unexpected \u2013 to the best of your ability \u2013 and practicing pain management techniques can help your\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/health.usnews.com\/pregnancy\/articles\/delivery-and-labor-what-to-expect\">labor and delivery<\/a>\u00a0play out as smoothly as possible, particularly during the early stages.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"Raw-slyvem-0 jDbFwb\">\n<p>\u201cBirth is unpredictable,\u201d says Denise G Castellanos, the lead midwife at MemorialCare Saddleback Medical Center\u2019s Women\u2019s Health Pavilion in Laguna Hills, California. \u201cEducation gives you tools, ideas and strength to acknowledge that labor is a unique experience \u2013 and being flexible can allow peace.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"Raw-slyvem-0 jDbFwb\">\n<h2>How to Identify Labor Contractions<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"Raw-slyvem-0 jDbFwb\">\n<p>Your body shifts and expands during pregnancy. It cramps up and contracts too. Contractions are common during the final stages of pregnancy, as your body prepares to go into labor. Typically, contractions that are painful and regular signify that you are entering the early stage of labor \u2013 or that you\u2019re already in it. But not all contractions are painful and regular. People can also experience irregular, mildly painful or painless contractions in their later weeks of pregnancy. These are known as Braxton Hicks contractions, and do not signify that you are entering labor.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div class=\"Raw-slyvem-0 jDbFwb\">\n<h2>True Labor vs. Braxton Hicks Contractions<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"Raw-slyvem-0 jDbFwb\">\n<p>Differentiating Braxton Hicks contractions from true uterine contractions can help you know when to head to the hospital for your delivery, versus when to wait a few more days (or weeks). Educating yourself on the various sensations that accompany contractions can help you mentally prepare for pain management during active labor.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"Raw-slyvem-0 jDbFwb\">\n<h3>What are Braxton Hicks contractions?<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"Raw-slyvem-0 jDbFwb\">\n<p>Sometimes thought of as a \u201cfalse alarm\u201d for labor, Braxton Hicks contractions are largely painless contractions that occur as the uterus prepares for labor, but before true labor has begun. Braxton Hicks contractions tend to be felt in the second or\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/health.usnews.com\/health-care\/patient-advice\/articles\/pregnancy-checklist\">third trimesters<\/a>\u00a0of pregnancy, but researchers believe they begin to occur, undetected, much earlier \u2013 around six weeks after\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/health.usnews.com\/health-care\/patient-advice\/articles\/early-signs-of-pregnancy\">gestation<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"Raw-slyvem-0 jDbFwb\">\n<h3>What do Braxton Hicks contractions feel like?<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"Raw-slyvem-0 jDbFwb\">\n<p>Braxton Hicks contractions may feel like a tightening or spasming of the uterine muscle and are often localized to one area, such as the front of the abdomen. They are rarely painful, will not increase in intensity over time and may grow weaker. They are not regularly occurring, either, and your cervix will not dilate during a Braxton Hicks contraction.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"Raw-slyvem-0 jDbFwb\">\n<p>\u201cWhen you experience a Braxton Hicks contraction, you will see your uterus tighten and become hard like a rock \u2013 but it is not associated with pain,\u201d says\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sjpp.org\/find-a-doctor\/sheryl-ross-md\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Dr. Sherry Ross<\/a>, a board certified OBGYN and Women\u2019s Health Expert at Providence Saint John\u2019s Health Center in Santa Monica, California. \u201cBraxton Hicks contractions are so subtle, most pregnant women do not realize they are having them.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"Raw-slyvem-0 jDbFwb\">\n<h3>True labor contractions: pain, regularity and timing<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"Raw-slyvem-0 jDbFwb\">\n<p>A true uterine contraction, meaning the type of contraction that signifies you are in or entering into labor, can feel painful. In fact, Dr. G. Thomas Ruiz, a board-certified OB-GYN and lead OB-GYN at MemorialCare Orange Coast Medical Center in Fountain Valley, California, says that some patients describe uterine contractions as the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/health.usnews.com\/health-care\/patient-advice\/slideshows\/ranking-the-most-painful-medical-conditions\">most painful experience<\/a>\u00a0they go through.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"Raw-slyvem-0 jDbFwb\">\n<p>In contrast to a Braxton Hicks contraction, real uterine contractions are painful and regularly occurring, and increase in length and intensity over time.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"Raw-slyvem-0 jDbFwb\">\n<p>\u201cReal uterine contractions start as a menstrual cramp and continue getting more intense and painful, unlike Braxton Hicks contractions,\u201d Ross says.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"Raw-slyvem-0 jDbFwb\">\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"Raw-slyvem-0 jDbFwb\">\n<h2>Comparing Braxton Hicks Contractions to True Labor Contractions<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"Box-w0dun1-0 dYdQiR\">\n<div class=\"ArticleBodyRawTable__ScrollableContainer-oebj0a-0 iGLSWA\">\n<div class=\"ArticleBodyRawTable__TableContainer-oebj0a-1 jmtum\">\n<table data-path-to-node=\"4\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\"><b>Characteristic<\/b><\/td>\n<td colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\"><b>Braxton Hicks (False Labor)<\/b><\/td>\n<td colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\"><b>True Uterine Contractions (Active Labor)<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\" data-path-to-node=\"4,1,0,0\">Pain\/Intensity<\/td>\n<td colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\" data-path-to-node=\"4,1,1,0\">Mild, painless, or tightening. Intensity does not increase.<\/td>\n<td colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\" data-path-to-node=\"4,1,2,0\">Painful; increase in length and intensity over time.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\" data-path-to-node=\"4,2,0,0\">Regularity<\/td>\n<td colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\" data-path-to-node=\"4,2,1,0\">Irregular; inconsistent timing.<\/td>\n<td colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\" data-path-to-node=\"4,2,2,0\">Regular and predictable; interval between them decreases.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\" data-path-to-node=\"4,3,0,0\">Location<\/td>\n<td colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\" data-path-to-node=\"4,3,1,0\">Localized to one area (often the front of the abdomen).<\/td>\n<td colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\" data-path-to-node=\"4,3,2,0\">Felt broadly; wrap around the back and abdomen.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\" data-path-to-node=\"4,4,0,0\">Duration<\/td>\n<td colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\" data-path-to-node=\"4,4,1,0\">Last for varying times.<\/td>\n<td colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\" data-path-to-node=\"4,4,2,0\">Consistent in length; last a full minute (60 seconds).<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\" data-path-to-node=\"4,5,0,0\">Cervix<\/td>\n<td colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\" data-path-to-node=\"4,5,1,0\">No change in dilation.<\/td>\n<td colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\" data-path-to-node=\"4,5,2,0\">Causes the cervix to dilate.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"Raw-slyvem-0 jDbFwb\">\n<h3><\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"Raw-slyvem-0 jDbFwb\">\n<h2>When to Go to the Hospital: the &#8220;5-1-1 Rule&#8221; and Multiparous Patients<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"Raw-slyvem-0 jDbFwb\">\n<p>Uterine contraction pain can also be felt more broadly, wrapping around your back, abdomen and midline of your body. Further, your cervix will dilate during uterine contractions, preparing your body for active labor. As uterine contractions increase in length and intensity, the interval between them will decrease. For first-time mothers, Ruiz says it\u2019s time to go to the hospital once uterine contractions have lasted a full minute, at five-minute intervals for an hour. To more easily remember this queue, he encourages patients to think of the acronym \u201c511.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"Raw-slyvem-0 jDbFwb\">\n<p>Some providers may suggest slightly different ranges for first-time mothers, such as heading to the hospital when uterine contractions have been occuring every 3 to 5 minutes for two hours. For peace of mind about your birthing experience, talk to your doctor about their recommendations for you.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"Raw-slyvem-0 jDbFwb\">\n<p>Multiparous patients \u2013 or those who have already given birth \u2013 however, will want to head to the hospital even sooner, such as when contractions are anywhere between five to ten minutes apart.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"Raw-slyvem-0 jDbFwb\">\n<p>\u201cThey should be painful, lasting a full minute, but the interval should not be as close as five minutes apart,\u201d Ruiz says. \u201cThe difference is because second deliveries move a lot faster. So if you wait until painful contractions get five minutes apart for an hour, you could be having that baby on the way to the hospital.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"Raw-slyvem-0 jDbFwb\">\n<p>Despite changes in the speed of labor and delivery, however, Ruiz says that multiparous patients won\u2019t necessarily experience a lower level of pain during their subsequent births. Still, some patients may develop an increased tolerance for pain and may feel better suited to manage labor pains in later pregnancies.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"Raw-slyvem-0 jDbFwb\">\n<h2>How to Prepare for Pain Management During Labor<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"Raw-slyvem-0 jDbFwb\">\n<p>Because uterine contractions are painful, it can help to physically and emotionally prepare for how to manage pain during labor. Personal pain management techniques can be invaluable throughout all stage of labor, but particularly during the early stages \u2013 before you are admitted into the hospital.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"Raw-slyvem-0 jDbFwb\">\n<p>Ruiz explains that patients are not admitted to the hospital until they are in active labor, which occurs when the cervix has dilated to about six centimeters for first-time mothers, and between four and six centimeters for people who have already had babies.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"Raw-slyvem-0 jDbFwb\">\n<p>Once you\u2019re admitted to the hospital, you may choose to utilize anesthesia or other medicinal pain remedies. But \u201cuntil then, you&#8217;re kind of relying on breathing and focus,\u201d Ruiz says.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"InartAd__SubsequentInartAdWrapper-sc-8wv8ky-1 eA-DVts sm-hide md-hide\" data-ad-collide=\"true\">\n<div class=\"Ad__Container-sc-1ah7c5n-0 jVdtwN\">\n<div id=\"inart_3\" class=\"ad lazy \" data-dimensions=\"1x1,fluid,728x90,950x30,954x90,938x90,970x66,970x250,970x90\" data-sfid=\"14\" data-component=\"ad\" data-id=\"inart_3\" data-type=\"inart\" data-sizes=\"1x1,fluid,728x90,950x30,954x90,938x90,970x66,970x250,970x90\" data-lazy=\"true\" data-bidders=\"true\" data-media-types=\"banner,native\" data-exclude-bidders=\"\" data-ad-unit-path=\"\/4020\/usn.health\/wellness\/amaternityandpregnancyguidefornewandexpectingparents\/article\" data-auto-refresh=\"false\" data-scroll-refresh=\"false\" data-view-height-refresh=\"false\" data-collision-refresh=\"false\" data-pos=\"inart_3\" data-google-query-id=\"CInXpcXZq5IDFZ3sDQkd0p4Efg\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"Raw-slyvem-0 jDbFwb\">\n<h3>Birthing classes for pain management<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"Raw-slyvem-0 jDbFwb\">\n<p>To prepare yourself to manage pain on your own \u2013 for those early stages or throughout the labor process, should you prefer to have an unmedicated birth \u2013 you can sign up for birthing classes or practice mind-body\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/health.usnews.com\/health-news\/blogs\/eat-run\/articles\/mindfulness-exercises-to-reduce-stress-or-anxiety\">relaxation exercises<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"Raw-slyvem-0 jDbFwb\">\n<p>Ruiz recommends patients start birthing classes as soon as they enter their third trimester of pregnancy, or about 26 weeks. How often you attend class may depend on your lifestyle and availability \u2013 but Ruiz says to prioritize fitting in what you can. \u201cThe pain of labor can be intense \u2013 and that&#8217;s why I encourage people to do birthing classes,\u201d Ruiz adds. \u201cIt&#8217;s not enough to watch a YouTube video.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"Raw-slyvem-0 jDbFwb\">\n<p>According to Ruiz, patients who take birthing classes can feel more equipped to handle labor pains, or even go on to have successful unmedicated births. Breathing exercises are often key to this success, he adds.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"Raw-slyvem-0 jDbFwb\">\n<p>Ross agrees that breathing exercises can be essential for labor preparation. She recommends patients practice \u201ctransition breathing\u201d by thinking about forming the tone \u201chee-hee-who\u201d with their breaths, to calm the body during contractions. &#8220;Focusing on each breath is a helpful distraction to uterine contractions,\u201d Ross says.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div class=\"Raw-slyvem-0 jDbFwb\">\n<p>Some patients may even benefit from taking things a step further and combining breathing exercises with mind-body relaxation techniques to promote a calm state of mind, Castellanos says.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"Raw-slyvem-0 jDbFwb\">\n<p>\u201cBeing calm between contractions to rest and regroup is essential,\u201d Castellanos adds. \u201cLaboring with your mind, body and heart can give you the peace needed to move forward.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"Raw-slyvem-0 jDbFwb\">\n<p>Sttill, because getting to a state of calmness can be easier said than done \u2013 especially during great pain \u2013 it is important to practice techniques beforehand.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"InartAd__SubsequentInartAdWrapper-sc-8wv8ky-1 eA-DVts sm-hide md-hide\" data-ad-collide=\"true\">\n<div class=\"Ad__Container-sc-1ah7c5n-0 jVdtwN\">\n<div id=\"inart_4\" class=\"ad lazy \" data-dimensions=\"1x1,fluid,728x90,950x30,954x90,938x90,970x66,970x250,970x90\" data-sfid=\"16\" data-component=\"ad\" data-id=\"inart_4\" data-type=\"inart\" data-sizes=\"1x1,fluid,728x90,950x30,954x90,938x90,970x66,970x250,970x90\" data-lazy=\"true\" data-bidders=\"true\" data-media-types=\"banner,native\" data-exclude-bidders=\"\" data-ad-unit-path=\"\/4020\/usn.health\/wellness\/amaternityandpregnancyguidefornewandexpectingparents\/article\" data-auto-refresh=\"false\" data-scroll-refresh=\"false\" data-view-height-refresh=\"false\" data-collision-refresh=\"false\" data-pos=\"inart_4\" data-google-query-id=\"CL-zusXZq5IDFezKDQkdk7YftA\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"Raw-slyvem-0 jDbFwb\">\n<p>Some practices that Castellanos recommends include:<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"ArticleBodyRawList__ListContainer-sc-18hlulv-0 dbATXA\">\n<ul>\n<li>Practicing low,\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/health.usnews.com\/wellness\/mind\/breathing-exercises-for-anxiety\">deep breathing exercises<\/a><\/li>\n<li>Listening to calming, personal music<\/li>\n<li>Visualizing positive imagery<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/health.usnews.com\/wellness\/mind\/articles\/essential-oils-for-anxiety-and-depression\">Smelling pleasing aromas<\/a><\/li>\n<li>Thinking about, or keeping with you, memorable items<\/li>\n<li>Thinking about inspirational\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/health.usnews.com\/wellness\/mind\/articles\/how-to-meditate-for-beginners\">mantras<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"Raw-slyvem-0 jDbFwb\">\n<p>In addition to your individual prep work, Castellanos suggests establishing a support team to uplift you during your birthing experience. A support team can consist of family, friends, loved ones or professionals who can offer you encouragement, a quiet presence and respect on your day, she says.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"Raw-slyvem-0 jDbFwb\">\n<h3><b>Birth plans for labor preparation<\/b><\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"Raw-slyvem-0 jDbFwb\">\n<p>Another way to prepare for the emotional and physical toll of labor is to create a birth plan. Also referred to as \u201cbirth preferences\u201d or \u201cbirth day wishes,&#8221; a birth plan can be a simple one-page document that describes your ideal birth experience.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"Raw-slyvem-0 jDbFwb\">\n<p>This can include things like:<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"ArticleBodyRawList__ListContainer-sc-18hlulv-0 dbATXA\">\n<ul>\n<li>If you do or do not want an epidural<\/li>\n<li>If you do or do not want IV medication<\/li>\n<li>If you do or do not want other medications or pain remedies<\/li>\n<li>If you do or do not want a certain person in the room with you<\/li>\n<li>Other requests related to the room you are in, such as dimmed lights or blankets<\/li>\n<li>Other requests related to the birthing experience<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"Raw-slyvem-0 jDbFwb\">\n<p>Ideally \u2013 and so long as it is readily accessible and easy to read \u2013 your provider will follow your birthing plan to the best of their ability. However, sometimes day-of circumstances may require them to stray from the plan for the safety of you and your baby. You are also free to change your mind about your plan during labor, should you feel differently in the moment.<br \/>\nRoss encourages patients to keep an open mind to the unexpected. \u201cStaying relaxed, calm and not following a preconceived labor \u2018agenda\u2019 supports the laboring process and minimizes\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/health.usnews.com\/wellness\/mind\/articles\/stress-vs-anxiety-differences\">stress<\/a>\u00a0and disappointment,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"border-top pt2\">\n<div class=\"flex-column\">\n<p><strong><span class=\"Span-sc-19wk4id-0 ExpertSources__Toggler-e51g0d-1 eFIA-DS jxFpng\" tabindex=\"0\">Sources<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<div class=\"use-hidden-content__HiddenContent-sc-1i61n0d-0 hSEWMT\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"ExpertSources__DisclaimerContainer-e51g0d-4 kArsVt\">\n<p class=\"Paragraph-sc-1iyax29-0 fBaaRL\">The U.S. News Health team delivers accurate information about health, nutrition and fitness, as well as in-depth medical condition guides. All of our stories rely on multiple, independent sources and experts in the field, such as medical doctors and licensed nutritionists. To learn more about how we keep our content accurate and trustworthy, read our<a class=\"Anchor-byh49a-0 cqkVfH\" href=\"https:\/\/www.usnews.com\/about-us\/editorial-guidelines\">\u00a0editorial guidelines<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"ExpertSources__SourceWrapper-e51g0d-3 gAYoiO\">\n<p><a class=\"Anchor-byh49a-0 gjmQSf\" href=\"https:\/\/www.memorialcare.org\/providers\/denise-g-castellanos\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" data-tracking-id=\"jump_link\" data-tracking-campaign=\"Denise G Castellanos, CNM\" data-tracking-placement=\"1\">Denise G Castellanos, CNM<\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph-sc-1iyax29-0 wXEOO\">Denise G Castellanos is the lead midwife at MemorialCare Saddleback Medical Center\u2019s Women\u2019s Health Pavilion in Laguna Hills, California.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"ExpertSources__SourceWrapper-e51g0d-3 gAYoiO\"><a class=\"Anchor-byh49a-0 gjmQSf\" href=\"https:\/\/www.providence.org\/doctors\/profile.aspx?name=sheryl+a+ross&amp;first=sheryl&amp;middle=ann&amp;last=ross&amp;city=santa+monica&amp;id=198106\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" data-tracking-id=\"jump_link\" data-tracking-campaign=\"Sherry Ross, MD\" data-tracking-placement=\"2\">Sherry Ross, MD<\/a><\/div>\n<div class=\"ExpertSources__SourceWrapper-e51g0d-3 gAYoiO\">\n<p><span class=\"Span-sc-19wk4id-0 HxEij\">G. Thomas Ruiz, MD<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph-sc-1iyax29-0 wXEOO\">Ruiz is a board-certified OB-GYN and lead OB-GYN at MemorialCare Orange Coast Medical Center in Fountain Valley, California.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"Box-w0dun1-0 grsbpJ\"><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Key Takeaways Differentiate Labor:\u00a0True labor contractions are painful, regular and increase in intensity, unlike mild, irregular Braxton Hicks (false labor). Know When to Go:\u00a0First-time mothers should follow the &#8220;5-1-1 Rule&#8221; (contractions lasting 1 minute, every 5 minutes, for 1 hour) before heading to the hospital. Prepare for Pain:\u00a0Practice deep breathing and mind-body relaxation techniques to [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":846,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[9],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-773","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-articles"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/portfolio.zenkoders.com\/ai-powered\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/773","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/portfolio.zenkoders.com\/ai-powered\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/portfolio.zenkoders.com\/ai-powered\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/portfolio.zenkoders.com\/ai-powered\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/portfolio.zenkoders.com\/ai-powered\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=773"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/portfolio.zenkoders.com\/ai-powered\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/773\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":847,"href":"https:\/\/portfolio.zenkoders.com\/ai-powered\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/773\/revisions\/847"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/portfolio.zenkoders.com\/ai-powered\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/846"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/portfolio.zenkoders.com\/ai-powered\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=773"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/portfolio.zenkoders.com\/ai-powered\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=773"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/portfolio.zenkoders.com\/ai-powered\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=773"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}