As your due date approaches, the anticipation and excitement of meeting your baby can quickly turn into a feeling of dread and impatience. You may find yourself asking, “Am I in labor?” or “How will I know when it’s time to go to the hospital?”
While the signs of labor may seem obvious at first glance, it’s not always easy to tell the difference between true and false labor.
Today, we’ll look into the key differences between the two types of labor and provide you with tips on how to tell which type you’re experiencing.
What is Labor?
Labor is the process by which your body prepares for the birth of your baby. It involves a series of physiological changes that help move your baby into the birth canal and eventually out of your body.
For most women, labor is characterized by regular, rhythmic contractions that gradually increase in intensity and frequency over time. Labor is typically divided into three stages: early labor, active labor, and delivery.
What Is The Difference Between True and False Labor?
True Labor: The Real Deal
True labor is the type of labor that results in the birth of your baby. It’s the real deal, and it’s time to start taking it seriously. Here are some key signs that you’re in true labor:
1. Contractions: Regular and Strong
True labor contractions are the most telltale sign that you’re in labor. They are regular, come at predictable intervals, and increase in intensity and frequency over time. The pain associated with true labor contractions can be very strong, similar to menstrual cramps or even worse.
As your labor progresses, the contractions will become stronger, more frequent, and closer together, lasting about 30 to 70 seconds each. When you’re in true labor, your contractions won’t stop if you change position or even lie down. However, some women who receive an epidural may experience contractions that stop entirely.
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2. Cervical Change: Effacement and Dilation
As you progress through true labor, your cervix will start to efface and dilate. Effacement refers to the thinning out of your cervix, while dilation is the opening up of your cervix. Both of these processes are necessary for your baby to move down the birth canal and eventually be delivered.
Your healthcare provider will assess your cervix’s effacement and dilation during labor. If you’re in early labor, you may only be a few centimeters dilated, but as you progress, you’ll move closer to full dilation, which is 10 centimeters. This is a clear sign that you’re in true labor.
3. Back Pain: A Persistent Ache
One of the most common signs of true labor is a persistent ache in your back or lower abdomen. This pain is often felt in your lower back and may radiate down to your abdomen, pelvis, or thighs. This type of pain often intensifies with contractions and does not subside with rest or a change in position.
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4. Bloody Show: The Loss of the Mucus Plug
The mucus plug is a jelly-like substance that seals the cervix during pregnancy. As your cervix begins to dilate, you may lose your mucus plug, which is often tinged with blood. This is called a “bloody show,” and it is a sign that labor is imminent.
5. Water Breaking: The Rupture of Membranes
The amniotic sac, which contains your baby and the amniotic fluid, may rupture during labor. This is often referred to as “breaking your water.” If your water breaks, it’s important to contact your healthcare provider immediately.
False Labor: Practice Contractions
False labor, also known as Braxton Hicks contractions, is a type of labor that does not result in childbirth.
These contractions are often referred to as “practice contractions” because they help your body prepare for true labor. While they can be uncomfortable and painful, false labor is not a cause for concern. Here are some key signs that you’re in false labor:
1. Irregular Contractions: Unpredictable and Inconsistent
False labor contractions are often irregular and inconsistent. They may come and go sporadically throughout the day and are often described as a tightening or hardening of the uterus. They are also usually not painful and tend to last for a short period of time, typically less than 30 seconds.
Unlike true labor, false labor contractions don’t get progressively stronger or more frequent. They may also subside or disappear with a change in position, movement, or even rest.
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2. Disappear with Movement or Rest
One of the most common signs that you’re in false labor is that the contractions go away when you move around or rest. If you’re experiencing false labor, you may find that changing positions, taking a walk, or lying down helps to alleviate the contractions.
On the other hand, true labor contractions continue regardless of your position or activity.
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3. No Cervical Changes
In false labor, there are no changes to the cervix. While the contractions may be somewhat uncomfortable, they do not lead to cervical dilation or effacement.
4. No Back Pain or Intense Discomfort
False labor contractions can be uncomfortable but are generally not as intense as true labor contractions. If you’re experiencing false labor, you may feel a tightening sensation in your abdomen but should not experience intense back pain or cramping.
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5. No Bloody Show or Water Breaking
Unlike true labor, false labor does not cause the loss of the mucus plug or the rupture of the amniotic sac. If you experience either of these signs, it’s a clear indication that you’re in true labor.
How to Tell the Difference
If you’re unsure whether you’re experiencing true or false labor, there are a few key indicators that can help you determine which type of labor you’re experiencing:
Contractions: True labor contractions are regular, increase in intensity, and don’t go away with rest. False labor contractions are irregular, sporadic, and often subside with movement or rest.
Cervical Changes: Only true labor causes cervical dilation and effacement. Your healthcare provider can monitor your cervix to check for these changes.
Pain and Discomfort: True labor is often accompanied by back pain and intense cramping, while false labor tends to feel more like mild cramping or tightening.
Water Breaking: If your water breaks, it’s a clear sign that you’re in true labor.
When to Call Your Doctor
If you’re ever unsure whether you’re in true or false labor, it’s always better to err on the side of caution and call your healthcare provider. Here are some situations in which you should call your doctor:
Contractions that are regular, increasing in intensity, or happening more frequently
Strong back pain that doesn’t go away with rest
Loss of your mucus plug or bloody show
If your water breaks or you experience a sudden gush of fluid
Any concerns or if something just doesn’t feel right
It’s better to be safe than sorry when it comes to labor. If you have any concerns or questions, don’t hesitate to contact your healthcare provider.
Conclusion
As you count down to the arrival of your little one, distinguishing between true and false labor can be both confusing and daunting.
In true labor, you’ll experience regular contractions that increase in intensity and frequency, cervical changes that include effacement and dilation, and back pain that doesn’t go away with rest.
On the other hand, false labor, or Braxton Hicks contractions, are irregular and unpredictable, with contractions that don’t increase in intensity or frequency, no changes to the cervix, and typically, no back pain.
While the experience may vary from woman to woman, paying attention to these key differences can help you confidently determine whether it’s time to start packing your hospital bag or not.
In case of any doubt, don’t hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider for guidance and reassurance.
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