Contractions at 23 weeks

Hi,
Welcome to the forum and I am glad to help you out. Your concern is regarding the increased Braxton Hicks contractions and whether these pains are a sign of labor. So definitely if you contractions are coming at regular intervals, increased in frequency and intensity and there is no relief of pain even after changing the position of the body, then chances of an early labor are near. There are some signs of labor which present when labor starts.

First of all, there may be lightening or when your baby’s head drops down into the pelvic region. You may find it easier to breathe or you may sense heaviness in your lower abdomen. The other symptoms are increased contractions (come at regular intervals, do not decrease with change in posture and last about 30-70 seconds) and sometimes a bloody show due to passing of the cervical mucus plug.

I would suggest you to contact your gynecologist immediately and get a pelvic examination done to clear the status of the cervix (dilatation and effacement) and the position of the head. It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your doctor. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care.