Biologically, the difference is that B-H contractions don't cause dilation and effacement of the cervix. Experientially, according to our instructor, B-H contractions tend to either be painless (earlier in pregnancy) or hurt only in the front of the abdomen (closer to delivery), and early labor contractions hurt all the way around to the lower back.
But she said that the biggest difference is that B-H contractions go away, or become less frequent, if you drink water, lie down, change position, etc., and they don't follow a steady, rhythmic pattern. Labor contractions don't go away, and they follow a steady pattern.
I love the idea of homework. That would have been really really useful to us.
Everything I've read says that labor preparation is more effective if you practice at home, but it's kind of hard to know how to organize or arrange that. Homework is a good way to make sure that we actually do get in the habit of applying skills outside of class.
The classes were free, which helped, I suppose.
This course is $125 for the six-week course, including materials (like the book, which we get to keep). I think that's very reasonable.
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Date: 2005-01-05 07:29 pm (UTC)Biologically, the difference is that B-H contractions don't cause dilation and effacement of the cervix. Experientially, according to our instructor, B-H contractions tend to either be painless (earlier in pregnancy) or hurt only in the front of the abdomen (closer to delivery), and early labor contractions hurt all the way around to the lower back.
But she said that the biggest difference is that B-H contractions go away, or become less frequent, if you drink water, lie down, change position, etc., and they don't follow a steady, rhythmic pattern. Labor contractions don't go away, and they follow a steady pattern.
I love the idea of homework. That would have been really really useful to us.
Everything I've read says that labor preparation is more effective if you practice at home, but it's kind of hard to know how to organize or arrange that. Homework is a good way to make sure that we actually do get in the habit of applying skills outside of class.
The classes were free, which helped, I suppose.
This course is $125 for the six-week course, including materials (like the book, which we get to keep). I think that's very reasonable.