It can be discouraging to feel contractions , grab all your things and rush to the hospital, only to be told you are in “false labor” and should go back home. However, false labor, also called the “prodromal phase” of labor is actually good for something. It helps your uterus practice its contractions — which comes in handy during the real thing.
False labor also helps to soften your cervix so it will be able to dilate when you are in actual labor.
The definition of false labor is that one experiences the symptoms of going into labor, but with little or no changes in the cervix. There are further differences that may allow you to distinguish between true or false labor.
During the third month of pregnancy, your uterus begins to warm up for labor, contracting several times an hour. Many of these contractions go unnoticed, though some women report feeling them as soon as the fourth month. The majority of pregnant women start to be aware of these uterine movements in the sixth or seventh month.
The “practice” contractions are short — generally no longer than 45 seconds in duration. They may happen more often if you are tired. They are usually painless — some women report that they feel like mild menstrual cramps. However, as your uterus grows stronger, around the eighth or ninth month, the contractions may become strong enough to make you wonder if you are going into labor.
The contractions experienced while in false labor are called Braxton-Hicks’ contractions. They are irregularly spaced and usually either remain the same or subside if you get up and walk around. Actual labor contractions tend to get worse upon standing or walking.
Braxton Hicks’ contractions usually reach a plateau of intensity and then start to go away. In real labor, contractions occur at regular intervals and become increasingly frequent, longer and more intense as time goes on.
Also, false labor contractions are usually felt in the upper part of the uterus, whereas actual labor contractions occur low in front, and maybe in back.
There are some women whose contractions remain irregular even in true labor. You should always call your doctor or midwife when you experience contractions that are painful or cause bloody or mucousy vaginal discharge. Your practitioner can often tell from your voice over the phone if you are in actual labor. Labor contractions tend to take your breath away and you will need to stop talking and concentrate on them until each one passes.
Also, if the contractions are so intense that you have to employ your breathing techniques with each contraction, you are likely in actual labor.
Only an internal examination of your cervix can tell for certain if you are in actual labor, so don’t hesitate to seek professional advice.
There is no need to feel embarrassed if you go to the hospital to have your cervix checked and find you are not in labor. It happens to many women, and it’s always better to know for sure.