painful
contractions that are closer together.(not too close unless you are in labor:)
Labor contractions might be the best term but not all contractions are painful.
Yes, labor contractions are an example of positive feedback. The contractions cause the release of oxytocin, which further stimulates increased contractions, resulting in the progression of labor. This cycle continues until the baby is born.
The strongest indication that contractions are occurring in association with true labor is that the contractions begin to occur at regular intervals. This is contrary to Braxton-Hicks contractions, which are spontaneous, random uterine contractions that do not occur with actual labor.
Labor contractions are painful and you can't ignore them. If they are not painful then they are just Braxton Hicks.
Contractions
A tightening of the uterus during pregnancy. Contractions may or may not be painful and may or may not indicate labor.
Oxytocin
There are no "fake contractions," except when women pretend to be in labor. There is false labor, which is contractions (usually mild and irregular) which do not change the cervix. (Labor is defined as progressive change--dilation and effacement--of the cervix.) Braxton Hicks contractions are real contractions, but very irregular. They can occur any time after 32 weeks of pregnancy, and are usually no more than 2 to 3 an hour.
False Labor
Contractions
time the seconds in between her contractions