5 Signs Of False Labour And Tips To Ease It I BabyChakra

Sudeshna Chakravarti

Author | 799 Articles

As your due date approaches, you may stress at every sign of contraction, wondering whether it’s real labour or just a mock drill. Moreover, differentiating between real and false labour is quite tricky, as some signs and contractions are similar in both scenarios.

This is why it’s crucial for you to learn to distinguish false labour signs to prevent stress every time you have one. In this post, we discuss the possible triggers of false labour signs and when to seek medical attention.

First, What Is False Labour?

False labour pains, also referred to as prodromal labour or Braxton Hicks contractions are a precursor to true labour. These contractions may occur as early as the fourth month of pregnancy, but become more prominent as your due date approaches.

However, not all pregnant women experience false labour. But if you do have these contractions before your due date, don’t stress out, as they are an indicator of your body preparing for childbirth.

5 Common Signs Of False Labour

False labour is characterised by infrequent or irregular contractions / Image credit: Freepik

Here are a few signs that will help you identify a pseudo or false labour:

Tightening in your abdomen
Irregular contractions
No instance of water breaking
No vaginal spotting
Contractions or pain occurring only a few times a day

What Triggers False Labour?

False labour is often triggered due to:

Sexual intercourse
Strenuous physical activities like climbing stairs
A full bladder when you wake up in the morning
If you have a fever or are dehydrated
If your baby is in distress

How Do False Labour Contractions Feel Like?

As mentioned above, false labour or practice contractions help your uterus prepare for labour and childbirth. Due to false labour contractions, you may experience a squeezing or tightening sensation in your lower abdomen region or groin.

However, don’t worry, these contractions don’t continue for long, and neither do they get stronger or closer with time. If you experience these contractions toward the last weeks of your pregnancy, then it indicates that the onset of true labour contractions is not very far.

How Do True Labour Contractions Feel Like?

With the onset of true labour, you may experience discomfort in your lower abdomen and back, and also pressure in your pelvic region. These contractions may occur at regular intervals and may get closer and stronger with time, with each contraction lasting for about 30-70 seconds.

Difference Between True And False Labour

We have created a chart to help you figure out the critical differences between true and false labour. Take a look.

Signs	True Labour	False Labour
Intensity of contractions	The intensity increases with time, irrespective of activities.	Contractions may get weaker or stronger over time, depending on the change in your position or activities.
Frequency of contractions	Contractions occur at regular intervals and get closer over time.	Contractions occur irregularly.
Time of contractions	Lasts for about 30-70 seconds and may progressively increase.	Varies in length.
Changes in your cervix	Your cervix begins to dilate.	There is no sign of dilation.
Centre of contractions	The contractions may originate from your lower back and move to the abdomen.	Centres in your lower abdominal and groin region.
Vaginal discharge	You may notice a slightly pinkish discharge due to cervical changes.	No vaginal discharge.

Tips To Ease False Labour Signs

Take ample rest and change your position while lying down to soothe false labour pain / Image credit: Freepik

The following useful tips will help you overcome the uneasiness of false labour.

Change your position while lying down
Go for a short walk
Keep yourself hydrated
Take ample rest
Get a massage
Take a warm bath to relax
Take a nap

When To Call Your Doctor?

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you notice the following signs:

Water breaking or continuous leaking of fluid.
Vaginal spotting, which is bright red in colour.
Contractions occurring five minutes apart for more than an hour.
Significant changes in your baby’s movements, such as less than 5-10 movements in an hour.
Inability to walk or move due to contractions.

Conclusion

Learning how to differentiate between true and false labour signs can help ease your anxiety and also assure your and your baby’s safety. Refer to our chart to understand the prominent distinctions between true and false labour and contact your healthcare provider if you experience any unusual pain or discomfort, or changes in your baby’s movements.