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What Is False Labor?

False labor have been referred to as “Braxton Hicks”. They can occur as early as the fourth month but become frequent as your due date approaches. These contractions signify false labor as there is a pain but no dilation of the cervix. They are perfectly normal and have been said to represent contractions that occur as the uterus is preparing to give birth. Braxton Hicks contractions are typically less painful than those of true labor and are unpredictable, do not occur at regular intervals. Braxton Hicks contractions do not become more intense over time. Dehydration and physical activity may trigger Braxton Hicks contractions. As your due date approaches, you begin to guard for every possible sign of labor, thinking if it is real labor or not. However, differentiating between real and false labor is quite difficult because some signs and contractions are identical in both scenarios. Therefore, it’s difficult to distinguish false labor so you don’t stress out every time. This post explains the indicators of labor signs and tells you the differences between false and real ones.

What Are The Signs Of False Labor?

As mentioned above, not every woman will go through false labor. But its good to know.

Here are false labor few signs:

• Irregular contractions
• Tightening in the abdomen
• No bleeding
• No water break.
• If you notice any leakage of fluid that smells like ammonia, then it is urine and not amniotic fluid because it is odorless.
• Occurs a few times in a day.
• It can occur every 10 to 20 minutes.

What causes Braxton Hicks contractions?

• Dehydration
• Sexual intercourse
• Touching of the maternal abdomen
• Increased activity of mother or baby
• Being very active like climbing stairs
• Lifting heavy weight may also trigger false labor
• Distended maternal bladder

What do false labor feel like?

Like true labor, false labor are not typically as painful. Some women describe them as a tightening sensation across the lower abdomen. In some women, this may feel similar to menstrual cramps. The abdomen may become firm to the touch and feel like a muscle tightening in your abdomen or a squeezing sensation in the lower abdomen. These contractions do not continue for long; they neither get stronger nor closer with time. False Labor usually last about 15 to 30 seconds, but may continue as long as two minutes, at times. If these contractions are felt towards the last weeks of pregnancy, they indicate that your true labor is not very far.

How Do True Labor Contractions Feel Like?

The contractions of true labor are discomfort in your back and in the lower abdomen. You may experience pressure in the pelvic area. In some pregnant women, the pain is felt in the thighs. It comes at regular intervals and then gets closer and stronger over time. Each contraction lasts for 20-60 seconds.

Home remedies help relieve False Labor pain and discomfort?

You can take these measures, if false labor makes you uncomfortable:

• Eat something.
• Drink a glass of water or a cup of herbal tea.
• Change positions, take a walk, or rest if you have been active.
• Perform relaxation exercises, deep breathing, or mental relaxation.
• Bathe in a warm bath for up to 30 minutes.

When should I call my doctor about Braxton Hicks contractions?

It is important to call your doctor if you notice:

• Continuous leaking of fluid or water break
• Vaginal bleeding in bright red color
• Increasing low back pain or pelvic pressure
• Menstrual-like cramping or abdominal pain.
• Contractions felt every five minutes for more than an hour
• Any significant change in the baby’s movement, such as less than 6-10 movements in an hour
• Inability to walk due to contractions