Skip to main content

False vs True Labor: How to Tell the Difference

Pregnancy is an exciting journey filled with many different surprises, and as the date of delivery approaches, many women have experiences that may seem like labour but may not be. These are called "false labour pains" and can lead to confusion, especially among first-time mothers. One of the most frequently asked questions at Diva Women's Hospital is: "How can I distinguish true labour from false pain?" This blog post will assist you in recognising the fundamental differentiation between false memories and pregnancy signs compared to genuine labour so that you will be more confident and equipped.

What is False Labor Pain?

False labour pain, the so-called Braxton-Hicks contractions, is the body's method of getting ready for the baby to be delivered. These are simply practice contractions similar to those you experience when in labour, but they go away right after. These contractions may start anytime between the second and third trimesters, but they are more often seen in the third trimester.

Key Signs of False Pain and Pregnancy

These symptoms can be confusing, but they are completely normal and not a cause for concern. 

Here's how to identify False pain in pregnancy: 

  • Irregular contractions: They don't come in a particular order, and they may not start when you move or rest. 

  • Mild discomfort: The pain is generally not as strong as pain during childbirth due to the birth of a child. 

  • No cervical changes: False labor is the cause of the cervix's dilation. 

  • Felts in front only: Fake contractions are mostly experienced in the anterior part of the abdomen or the pelvis. 

These symptoms aren't easy to evaluate, but they are common and unnecessary to be concerned about. 

What is True Labour?

Real labour preparation is a sign that your body is on the way to delivering a baby. The contractions dilate your cervix and facilitate the baby to move down the birth canal. 

Signs of True Labour: 

  • Sustained contractions: They are recurrent, regular, and intensify throughout time. 

  • Rising pain: The pain increases and continues to be there even if you rest. 

  • Back and abdominal pain: You can feel a strong pain in your lower back, the area from the thoracic to the lumbar spine, and pelvis. 

  • Cervical dilation: A visible sign of true labour is the opening of the cervix. 

  • Water breaking or bloody show: These are additional signs that labour has already begun.

False vs True Labor: Key Differences

Feature

False Labor Pain

True Labor Pain

Contraction Pattern

Irregular, unpredictable

Regular and increasing in strength

Pain Location

Front of abdomen

Back and abdomen

Change with Movement

Stops with rest or movement

Continues regardless of movement

Cervical Change

No dilation

Cervix begins to open

Intensity

Mild to moderate

Strong and increasing


When to Call the Doctor?

Whether you are sure that it is an artificial pain or a real labour, it is always better to consult your physician—more so if: 

  • You feel severe or constant pain.

  • Your water breaks. 

  • You notice decreased baby movements. 

  • You have bleeding or unusual discharge. 

At Diva Women's Hospital, our team is available 24/7 to assist you at each phase of pregnancy and labour. Either it is false labour or true labour; here you are fully supported.

Blog Source -- False vs True Labor: How to Tell the Difference 

Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Epidural Anesthesia for Painless Delivery: Meaning, Highlights, and Associated Risks

  Bringing new life to the world is a wonderful journey, but it quite likely entails the fear of pain during labour. For most women, the thought of labour pain can be too much to handle, but cutting-edge medicine provides ways to reduce this fear. One of the most effective and widely used methods is epidural anaesthesia, which is a painless delivery. At  Diva Women’s Hospital , we aim to provide secure, caring, and comfortable birth experiences for each mother.  In this blog,  we will learn the term “epidural anaesthesia” by letting know some crucial aspects like what it is, how it works, its usefulness, and the recent findings on its benefits, and lastly, it will warn of likely risks that one might associate with it. What is Epidural Anesthesia? Epidural anaesthesia refers to a type of regional anaesthesia treatment used for pain relief in a specific area. For instance, in labour, it is a process of numbing the lower part of the body, mainly the uterus, the cervix, ...
Post a Comment
Read more

What To Expect at Your First Ultrasound During Pregnancy

Pregnancy can excite, intrigue, and yes, scare you - if you're expecting for the first time. The first ultrasound is often the most thrilling experience in early pregnancy. Seeing your baby for the first time has a profound effect on you. It signals the beginning of a new chapter and gives you a chance to greet your little one. If you're wondering about ultrasound procedures, this blog will fill you in on all the essential details. It'll prepare you for your initial pregnancy scan, explain what the images show, advise you on how to get ready, and give you a preview of what to expect from both a medical standpoint and as a new parent. What Is an Ultrasound During Pregnancy? An ultrasound during pregnancy is a harmless way to see your growing baby, womb, and nearby organs. It creates pictures using sound waves. Doctors often rely on this test to check your baby's health and growth. Why Is the First Ultrasound Important? The first ultrasound, also called a dating scan, us...
Post a Comment
Read more

Best Gynaecologist in Ahmedabad for First-Time Moms

First-time motherhood is a once-in-a-lifetime experience packed with joy, questions, and at times, anxiety. At such a critical stage, having a good and understanding gynaecologist makes all the difference in the world. From solving every little query to following your baby's progress and your well-being, the ideal gynaecologist becomes your biggest support system. So, how do you identify the best gynaecologist in Ahmedabad who understands first-time mothers? At Diva Hospital, we believe that all women should receive empathetic, top-notch care, particularly when they're on the path to motherhood. This blog will help you learn who the Best gynaecologist in Ahmedabad is for first-time mothers and why Diva Hospital is a known name among thousands of pregnant women. Why Choosing the Right Gynaecologist Matters for First-Time Moms Your first pregnancy is packed with "firsts": your first ultrasound, your first sense of movement, and your first birth plan. It's no wonder ...
Post a Comment
Read more