As you approach your delivery date, your contractions will become more rhythmic and painful, and there are chances you will experience a false labor. Braxton Hicks contractions help the body prepare for true labor. It helps to soften and thin the cervix. So how can you tell whether it is a true labor or a false one? Read on to know the signs of false labor and how to differentiate between false and true labor.
Here are a few signs that can help you identify false labor:
| Signs | True Labour | False Labour |
|---|---|---|
| Frequency of Contractions | False labour contractions are unpredictable and irregular. It can interfere with sleep and can make you cranky and lethargic. | False labour contractions are unpredictable and irregular. It can interfere with sleep and can make you cranky and lethargic. |
| Intensity of Contractions | The frequency and intensity of contractions increase with time no matter what you do to ease it | False labour contraction subsides when you start or stop an activity or change your position. |
| Length of Contractions | True labour contractions last for more than 30 seconds and get progressively longer. | False labour contractions vary in length. |
| Center of Contractions | In true labour, the contractions starts in the lower back and radiates through the abdomen. | In a false labour, the contraction centers in your lower abdomen and groin. |
| Strength of Contractions | The contractions in true labour get stronger as time progresses. | Contractions in false labour do not increase in strength over time. On the contrary, these contractions are strong at first but become weaker gradually. |
| Change in Cervix | In true labour, the cervix becomes thinner, softer and dilated. | False labour does not cause progressive dilation of the cervix |
When To Seek Medical Help?
It is important to contact the doctor if you have:
Before 37 weeks, if you notice any sign of labor, contact your midwife or doctor right away to rule out the possibility of preterm labor. After the 37th week, you can sit out the contractions at home unless your doctor advises otherwise. If you are not sure about labor, then call your doctor or midwife. They should be available anytime to discuss your concerns and find out whether your contractions are true or not.
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