Labor is a strong and frequent contractions that occur in the uterus, and often begin after the thirty-seventh week of pregnancy, indicating that the date of birth is approaching. However, there is another type of uterine contractions that a pregnant woman feels known as "false labor". In our article today, we will explain to you the concept of labor before birth, and we will review through the Dalili Medical website the difference between real labor and false labor, so keep reading.

Does false labor last for long periods?

 

There are some signs that help a woman distinguish false labor, including: mild contractions that stop when moving or changing position, and do not last for more than an hour. These contractions are not very painful, and the woman can talk and sleep while they occur. The pain is also concentrated in the front of the abdomen only, not in the back, and the contractions do not last more than an hour.

What is false labor?

 

False labor is uterine contractions that occur during pregnancy as part of the body's preparation for real birth. These contractions do not mean that the actual time of birth has come, or that the cervix has begun to dilate. Some pregnant women describe false labor as a feeling of tightening in the front of the abdomen, with pain and contractions that may last up to 60 seconds, and may occur frequently every five minutes, but they do not increase in intensity over time, unlike real labor, which gradually increases in intensity.

**Causes of false labor**

False contractions are a normal part of the pregnancy experience, whether they are Braxton Hicks contractions or false labor. False labor occurs as a result of several factors, including: your baby's movement inside the uterus in preparation for birth, the presence of stress or anxiety in you, a slight change in the shape of the pelvis or uterus, or if you have been pregnant three or more times before.

**What does false labor feel like?**

 

False labor pain is usually irregular, and is similar to the feeling of tightening or mild contraction in the lower abdomen or back. The pain may be similar to menstrual pain, but it does not increase in intensity over time.

**What are false labor contractions?**

 

False labor contractions are natural contractions of your uterus. You may start noticing them as early as the fourth month of pregnancy, but most women feel them starting in the seventh month. Some doctors call them “uterine exercise,” as your body and uterus are training for contractions and strengthening their muscles in preparation for labor.

**Do false labor wake you up?**

 

These contractions can feel like menstrual cramps and can be uncomfortable for some women. They usually come intermittently.

When does real labor start after false labor?

 

For most women, real labor begins around the 40th week of pregnancy. If real contractions occur before the 37th week, this may indicate premature labor.

Are there any risks associated with these contractions?

 

There are no risks associated with these contractions, they only help to strengthen the muscles of the uterus and increase blood flow to it. You should know that they do not lead to dilation or expansion of the cervix, so there is no need to worry about childbirth if you are sure that they are false contractions. False labor contractions cause sleep disturbance, which leads to feeling exhausted and tired in the morning. Since they occur in a sensitive area such as the abdomen, they may cause some psychological anxiety.

**How ​​long does false labor last?**

 

A woman can feel strong contractions every five minutes that last for an hour, and these contractions may be so severe that they prevent her from walking.

**How ​​can labor cramps be distinguished from normal cramps?**

 

During normal cramps, a woman feels pain in the lower abdomen, while pregnancy cramps start from the lower back and then move to the lower abdomen. When a woman enters labor, uterine contractions are regular, accompanied by pain known as labor cramps, which occur every 15 to 20 minutes.

**When does false labor subside?**

 

In the case of false labor, the pain resulting from contractions is concentrated in the lower abdomen. In real labor, the pain may start from the lower back and extend to the abdomen. False labor contractions can subside on their own when starting or stopping a certain activity, or when changing positions.

Can false labor turn into real labor?

 

False labor is part of the body's preparation for the birth process, but it does not necessarily mean that labor is imminent. False labor may continue for several days or even weeks before real labor begins.

**Methods for determining the date of natural birth**

You can know the date of natural birth through the symptoms associated with the birth process, the most important of which is the occurrence of natural labor, and these symptoms include:

- Feeling severe pain in the back area, which quickly moves to the sides, causing sharp pain concentrated in the abdominal area.

- The pain is regular and continuous, and this is considered one of the most prominent signs of natural labor.

- Feeling strong pressure in the pelvic area.

- The duration of one contraction lasts about 30 seconds.

- Contractions in the uterus should be no less than 5 contractions per hour.

What is the nature of these contractions?

 

Its nature is divided into two parts:

1. **At the beginning of its appearance**: It is represented by contractions or contractions that occur in the muscles of the lower abdomen and between the thighs. These contractions last for a short period ranging from 30 seconds to two minutes, and are usually painless, causing only a feeling of discomfort.

2. **The period shortly before birth**: The intensity of the contractions increases and becomes relatively painful. These contractions are known as false labor.

**What is the difference between real and false labor?**

 

**The difference in terms of the date of occurrence**: Real and false labor are similar in that they are painful uterine contractions that occur during pregnancy, but real labor occurs when the date of birth approaches, while false labor (Braxton Hicks contractions) appear in the second or third trimester of pregnancy.

**The difference in terms of intensity and frequency**: False labor differs in terms of intensity and frequency of contractions, as they come in the form of irregular contractions.While the intensity of real labor contractions increases and their frequency increases as the due date approaches, they start simple and occur at intervals ranging from 20 to 30 minutes, and as the birth approaches, the periods between contractions decrease.

**Signs that distinguish natural labor from false labor**

Real labor is characterized by several symptoms that indicate its occurrence, such as the discharge of mucous vaginal secretions, indicating the dilation of the cervix, or the leakage of amniotic fluid surrounding the fetus, or the appearance of blood. In addition, the person may feel stiffness in the abdomen and suffer from diarrhea, as all of these symptoms are signs of the approaching birth.

After the end of the real labor stage, the birth stage begins, which can be natural, as the fetus is expelled through the vagina after the cervix dilates, or it may be a cesarean section, which requires a surgical incision in the lower abdomen to remove the fetus from the uterus.

Given the increasing interest in cesarean section among women in the recent period, we will review some details related to it.

Does false labor indicate the approach of birth?

 

Not necessarily. False labor is part of the body's preparation for childbirth, but it does not mean that labor is imminent. False labor may last for several days or even weeks before the real labor begins.

**Description of labor pain**

Labor pain is characterized by several characteristics, including:

Labor symptoms begin with contractions and pain, and these symptoms often begin after day 280 of fertilization, i.e. as the due date approaches. In some cases, doctors may resort to using artificial labor to stimulate the fetus to exit, especially when the pregnancy exceeds 42 weeks.

Uterine contractions begin gradually, as they are initially light and occur at spaced intervals. At first, the duration of contractions ranges from 20 minutes to half an hour, and as the due date approaches, this period decreases to about 5 minutes or less between each contraction. The duration of a single contraction also ranges from 30 to 60 seconds, and these contractions become frequent with short periods of time separating them. These contractions are accompanied by a feeling of pain that increases with the intensity of the contractions, and this pain is usually described as similar to the pain of menstrual contractions, but it is more severe.

The pain usually starts in the lower back area, then moves to the abdomen, where the woman feels that the pain surrounds all parts of the abdomen. This pain increases with activity and does not decrease with relaxation or rest, but disappears only when the labor contractions end, which continue until the completion of the labor process.

Does false labor help open the uterus?

 

Some doctors believe that one of the benefits of false labor is that it affects the muscles of the uterus and makes it more prepared for birth. It is also believed that it helps put the baby in the appropriate position for birth, and may play a role in softening the cervix. As the due date approaches, the contractions become stronger.

Are there factors that increase the occurrence of Braxton Hicks contractions?

Yes, there are some stimuli that may lead to these contractions, including:

- Fetal activity and excessive movement

- People close to you touching your abdomen

- After sexual intercourse

- Bladder full of urine

- Dehydration and not drinking enough fluids

**The difference between real labor and false labor**

There are several differences between real labor and false labor, the most prominent of which are:

Real labor contractions occur regularly, separated by short periods of time, at a rate of five attacks per hour. In contrast, false labor contractions are irregular, and occur at intermittent and non-close intervals.

Contractions in false labor are not sufficient for labor to occur, as they are not severe and do not last for long periods.

In cases of real labor, a woman feels pain in the lower back and around the abdomen, while the pain in false labor is concentrated in the lower abdomen only.

False labor contractions usually occur when doing a certain activity or changing the sitting position, and disappear when changing the position or stopping the activity. In cases of real labor, the pain is continuous and increases in intensity over time, regardless of any other factors.

When are contractions a sign of danger?

 

If you feel continuous painful contractions that occur at a rate of more than four times per hour, or if these contractions are accompanied by one of the signs of premature labor, then the matter requires attention.

These signs include vaginal discharge that is watery or bloody, or any other discharge, whether mucous or even slightly pink in color.

You should also pay attention to any pain in the lower back, especially if you have not previously suffered from pain in this area.

Also, if you feel pressure in the pelvic area, as if your baby is pushing himself down, this is an important sign to take into account.

When should you call the doctor?

 

Contact your doctor immediately if the contractions are accompanied by the following signs:

- Vaginal bleeding.

- Strong contractions that occur every 5 minutes for an hour.

- Contractions that prevent you from walking.

- A noticeable change in fetal movement.

- Any signs of true labor before the 37th week of pregnancy.

What measures can be taken to relieve false labor pains?

 

To relieve the discomfort caused by false labor pains, the following steps can be followed:

- Change position or activity.

- Make sure to drink enough fluids, as it is recommended to drink at least 10 to 12 cups of water, juice or milk daily.

- Try to relax and rest.

Your doctor will always be available to answer your questions and address your concerns about whether the contractions you feel indicate true or false labor. If a pregnant woman is not completely sure what she is feeling, do not hesitate to contact her doctor. The doctor may ask some questions to help her determine whether she is in actual labor.

How can you distinguish between false labor and true labor?

 

Here are some differences between false labor and true labor:

1. **Frequency of contractions**

- **False labor**: occurs intermittently and without a regular pattern. 

- **True labor**: occurs at regular intervals.

2. **Duration of contractions**

- **False labor**: lasts from less than 30 seconds to 2 minutes. 

- **True labor**: lasts from 30 seconds to 70 seconds.

3. **Feeling of contractions**

- **False labor**: feels like tension or pressure, but does not cause pain. 

- **True labor**: feels like tension or contractions that come in waves, starting from the back and moving to the front, and the pain increases in intensity over time.

**Symptoms of false labor**

- Irregular contractions: Contractions are characterized by irregularity in terms of intensity and timing.

- Lack of intensity over time: differs from true labor in that they do not increase in intensity or frequency over time.

- Possibility of relieving contractions: These contractions can be relieved by changing position or movement.

- Absence of accompanying symptoms: They usually lack other symptoms such as leakage of amniotic fluid or severe back pain.

How to distinguish between false and real labor?

 

**Timing:** False labor is characterized by occurring at irregular and spaced intervals, while real labor appears at regular and close intervals.

**Relief:** If the contractions ease when changing position or taking a rest, it is likely to be false labor.

**Medical examination:** You can visit a doctor to perform a cervical examination to determine whether the contractions are real or false.

Tips to relieve false labor contractions?

 

False labor contractions are usually painless, but to relieve the resulting discomfort, here are some useful tips:

1. **Change activity**: If you are sitting, try walking, and if you are standing, you can lie down for a few minutes to relieve the contractions.

2. **Take a warm bath**: Take a warm bath for up to 30 minutes to relieve muscle tension.

3. **Drink water**: Drink two cups of water to get rid of the dehydration that may cause these contractions.

4. **Relaxation exercises**: Practice relaxation exercises or take slow, deep breaths to help overcome the discomfort, although they will not stop the pain.

5. **Drink herbal tea**: Have a cup of herbal tea allowed during pregnancy or a cup of milk