3 Signs You May Be Having False Labour

As you approach your due date, the painless and infrequent Braxton Hicks contractions that you may have been feeling since mid-pregnancy sometimes become more rhythmic, relatively close together, and even painful, possibly fooling you into thinking you’re in labor. But unlike true labor, this so-called false labor doesn’t cause significant, progressive dilation of your cervix, and the contractions don’t grow consistently longer, stronger, and closer together.

Note: Not every woman experiences bouts of false labor and in some cases the strong, regular contractions of true labor come on with little or no warning.

How can I tell whether I’m in false labor or true labor?

Sometimes it’s very hard to tell false labor from the early stages of true labor. If you’re 37 weeks or more, here are some things that might help you sort it out:

1. False labor contractions are unpredictable. They come at irregular intervals and vary in length and intensity. Although true labor contractions may be irregular at first, over time they start coming at regular and shorter intervals, become increasingly more intense, and last longer.

2. With false labor, the pain from the contractions is more likely to be centered in your lower abdomen. With true labor, you may feel the pain start in your lower back and wrap around to your abdomen.

3. False labor contractions may subside on their own or when you start or stop an activity or change position. True labor contractions will persist and progress no matter what you do.

What should I do if I feel contractions?

If you’re not yet 37 weeks, don’t waste precious time trying to figure out what’s going on. If you notice any signs of labor, call your doctor or midwife right away in order to rule out preterm labor. After 37 weeks, you can sit out the contractions (whether false or from true early labor) at home and see what develops unless your practitioner has advised you otherwise.

False labor contractions can be a real drag, interfering with your sleep and making you tired and cranky. (Taking warm baths and drinking plenty of liquids can sometimes help.) You might also feel anxious, wondering when true labor will start.

If you have an older child, you might be constantly wondering whether it’s time to call the babysitter. When in doubt, make the call, there’s no harm done, even if you don’t end up needing to go in and you may be able to rest more easily knowing that help is at hand.

Time your contractions until you get a sense of what’s going on and don’t hesitate to call your doctor or midwife to check in if you’re concerned, confused, or just need a little encouragement or reassurance.

Source: BabyCenter