True and False Labour

June 26, 2020

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As you approach your due date, you may experience some contractions that are not a sign of labor. We referred to as false labor or Braxton-Hicks contractions. These contractions are inconsistent and usually occur a few weeks before your due date. They simply are a signal telling you that your body is preparing to give birth. However, for some women, it’s tricky to tell whether they are in labor or not.

Understanding False Labor

While most false labor pains occur during the third trimester, some can occur as early as the second trimester. The contractions tend to last 30 to seconds but can persist for several minutes. They tend to be uncomfortable and can be painful in some cases. Also:

They vary in intensity. The contractions can be intense at one moment and less at the next
They appear irregularly
They diminish gradually
They may reduce or stop if you change positions

What True Labor Feels Like

Unlike false labor, true labor pains follow a pattern. When they start, they continue to increase in frequency and intensity. You will feel more pain and discomfort as the contractions persist. Some early signs of true labor include:

Upset stomach or diarrhea
Vaginal discharge may have a brownish or reddish color
Mucus plug may come out
A slight increase in blood pressure

How to tell false labor from true labor

When you experience a contraction, you can identify which type it is in six ways.

In true labor, contractions come regularly while in false labor the contractions are irregular.
In true labor, the contractions occur closer together over time while in false labor, the contractions are far apart.
In true labor, the contractions usually start in the lower back and move to the front of the abdomen while in false labor, the contractions are usually only felt in the front of the abdomen or pelvic region.
In true labor, contractions continue despite movement or changing positions while in false labor, contractions may stop when you walk or rest, or may even stop if you change positions.
In true labor, contractions steadily increase in strength while in false labor, contractions are usually weak and do not get much stronger. Or they may be strong at first and then get weaker.
In true labor, there is progressive cervical change while in false labor, there is no cervical change.

While most of these characteristics may be true for the majority of the cases, some experience false labor which is indistinguishable from true labor. Also, some women may have true labor in which contractions may seem to be false labor. To be sure, you should consult your doctor.