As your due date approaches, you may start to notice Braxton Hicks contractions becoming more frequent and intense. It’s common for expectant mothers to mistakenly believe they’re in actual labor, leading them to head to the hospital or contact their midwife, only to discover it was a false alarm, often referred to as “false labor.”
Distinguishing Braxton Hicks from Real Contractions
Identifying false labor can be tricky. Here are some signs to help differentiate it from true labor:
- Irregular Contractions: False labor contractions are often irregular and unpredictable, with intervals that may vary widely—like ten minutes, six minutes, two minutes, and then eight minutes.
- Lack of Progression: Unlike true labor, there is no progression in false labor.
- Generalized Tightening: You may feel contractions as a general tightening in your abdomen rather than localized pain.
- Change in Activity: If you change your position or engage in different activities, false labor contractions often decrease or stop entirely.
- No Bloody Show: There is typically no sign of bloody show.
- Intact Membranes: Your water hasn’t broken yet.
Evaluating Your Contractions
To assess whether you’re experiencing false labor or true labor, track your contractions:
- Frequency: Use a watch or clock to note when each contraction begins. True labor tends to develop into a consistent pattern with contractions becoming closer together, while false labor remains erratic.
- Duration: Record how long each contraction lasts. True labor contractions will last longer than 30 seconds at the onset, eventually reaching up to 60 seconds. In contrast, false labor contractions will vary significantly in both length and intensity.
- Persistence with Activity: True labor contractions continue regardless of your activity level and can even intensify with movement, such as walking. However, false labor contractions often stop with any change in activity.
- Location of Pain: Pain from true labor usually starts high in the abdomen, radiating throughout the whole area and into the lower back. False labor contractions, on the other hand, often feel concentrated in the lower abdomen and groin.
Even if you identify these signs, it can still be hard to know if you’re truly in labor. Some women experience painful contractions for days without any cervical dilation, while others may feel only mild pressure.
Should You Head to the Hospital?
Some women may ignore their symptoms if their due date seems far off, only to discover they are fully dilated during a routine checkup. Conversely, others might rush to the hospital with contractions that are just three minutes apart, only to have them completely stop upon arrival.
If you find yourself in this situation, there’s no need for embarrassment or frustration. Instead, maintain a positive mindset and consider the experience a valuable rehearsal for labor. This uncertainty can be even more pronounced for women who have had previous pregnancies, as they may still experience convincing false labor signs.
If you’re unsure, it’s always wise to reach out to your healthcare provider. Keep in mind that if your contractions become longer, stronger, and closer together, it’s likely that labor is indeed beginning!
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For related information, you can read about pediatric multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children, an issue connected to COVID-19, here. Understanding the journey of pregnancy can be overwhelming, but resources like Healthline and Modern Family Blog can provide valuable information and support.
Summary
False labor can often confuse expectant mothers as they prepare for the arrival of their little ones. By recognizing the signs and patterns of contractions, you can better distinguish between Braxton Hicks and true labor. Always trust your instincts and consult your healthcare provider for guidance.