As your due date approaches, you begin to guard for every possible sign of labor, thinking if it is real labor or just a mock drill. However, differentiating between real and false labor is quite difficult because some signs and contractions are identical in both scenarios. Therefore, it’s critical to distinguish fake labor so you don’t stress out every time you have one or dismiss actual labor as simply another instance of your body’s mock drill. This post explains the indicators of erroneous labor signs and tells you the differences between false and real ones.
What Is False Labor?
False labor pains, also known as Braxton Hicks contractions, are a precursor to true labor. They can occur as early as the fourth month but become frequent as your due date approaches. These contractions signify false labor as there is a pain but no dilation of the cervix. However, the false labor does not occur in every pregnant woman. But if you do have contractions before your due date, then it is good to know whether or not they are false (1).
What Are The Signs Of False Labor?
Here are a few signs to identify false labor (2): As mentioned above, not every woman will go through false labor, but in certain cases, you are more likely to experience them.
What Triggers A False Labor?
False labor often starts due to (1):
Physical activities like climbing stairs Sexual intercourse Full bladder when you wake up in the morning If you are dehydrated or have a fever Your baby’s movements in the uterus or stress to fetus
So, how do we differentiate between false and true labor? Let’s see how each one of them feels.
How Do Braxton Hicks Or False Labor Contractions Feel Like?
Braxton Hicks contractions feel like a muscle tightening in your abdomen or a squeezing sensation in the lower abdomen and the groin. These contractions do not continue for long; they neither get stronger nor closer with time (3). If these contractions are felt towards the last weeks of pregnancy, they indicate that your true labor is not very far.
How Do True Labor Contractions Feel Like?
The contractions of true labor are an ache or discomfort in your back and in the lower abdomen. You may experience pressure in the pelvic area. In some pregnant women, the pain is felt in the thighs. It comes at regular intervals and then gets closer and stronger over time. Each contraction lasts for 30-70 seconds (4).
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By now, you may have noticed that there are subtle differences between false and true labors. Let us see a few more pronounced differences between them.
What Is The Difference Between True And False Labor?
The following chart will help you figure out the differences (5): By keeping a close watch on the above-mentioned differences, you can identify the type of labor pain you are experiencing at that point. False labor can be a real discomfort during the last weeks of pregnancy, but you can ease the pain.
Tips To Ease A False Labor
Here are some tips to help you overcome the uneasiness (1):
Go for a walk Change positions while lying down Take rest or change activity levels Drink plenty of water Take a warm bath to relax your body Get a massage done Relax reading book or listening music Take a nap
The pain should subside with these simple measures. However, if the contractions are regular and do not decrease even after your efforts, then see a doctor.
When To Call The Doctor?
It is important to contact the doctor if you notice (6):
vaginal bleeding in bright red color continuous leaking of fluid or water break contractions felt every five minutes for more than an hour any significant change in the baby’s movement, such as less than 6-10 movements in an hour inability to walk due to contractions
