Introduction

False Labor also referred as a false alarm is a common phenomenon which a number of pregnant women experience as their delivery date approaches. The symptoms that these women face are similar to true labor and many women think they are experiencing the real thing only to reach the hospital and told by the doctors that was a false alarm or false labor. This can be aggravated by anxiety and excitement of the delivery especially in first time mothers. As the due date of delivery approaches the Braxton Hicks contractions which are experienced become more intense and frequent.

Signs of false labor

The signs of false labor can be indicated by factors such as irregular and unpredictable contractions, there is no regularity in the contractions, no progress is seen in the spasms, there is a feeling of general abdominal tightening, changes in your position or activity causes the contractions to reduce or stop, there is no bleeding or rupturing of membranes.

Points to recognize whether it is a false or true labor

You can tell the difference between the two by recording your contractions. In case of a false labor there is no regular pattern and the contractions have large gaps between two contractions. The contractions can be recorded using a watch or a clock to be more specific about the pattern. False labor contractions vary in length and intensity. The span between the contractions star reducing in a true labor and the intensity of the contractions increase progressively. In case of a true labor the contractions continue even after changing ones position or activity whereas in case of false labor the contractions cease or stop after a while. In a false labor the pain of the contractions is felt in the lower abdomen and groin as compared to the entire abdomen in case of true labor. However there are no hard and fast rules because some women might have painful contractions for days with no changes in the cervical structure whereas other might just feel a little pressure and backache which can lead to true labor.

Stages in labor

In the last few weeks of pregnancy the Braxton Hicks contractions get more rhythmic and appear more frequently. These symptoms can also be referred to as pre-labor and during this time the cervix stretches gradually and softens in preparation for the birth. When the contractions are irregular and the pain is more profound in the lower abdomen you could be experiencing false labor. This is especially true if there is no change in the cervix. When the contractions become regular, rhythmic and uncomfortable to bear you could be experiencing true labor. At this stage the cervix starts changing in size and shape and you can prepare for the birth.