False labour - you may have read about it in books, or may have seen hilarious or dramatic situations based on this concept in movies or TV shows.
But what exactly is false labour pain? Read on to find out the what, when, and how of it. Here are answers to 5 most commonly asked questions about false labour pains.
FAQs About False Labour Pain
1. What is false labour pain?
False labour pain is technically called Braxton Hicks contractions or intermittent uterine contractions. These are contractions of the uterus (womb) that occur mainly in the third trimester, toward the end of the pregnancy.
These contractions are called false labour pain because they may seem like labour pain but do not lead to the delivery of a baby.
2. What causes false labour pain?
The exact cause of Braxton Hicks contractions or false labour pain is unknown. However, it is believed that these contractions are your body’s way of toning the uterine muscles to get itself ready for true labour.
Certain common events can trigger false labour pain, including:
Dehydration.
Sexual intercourse.
A full bladder.
Increased activity of the mother.
The foetus’s movement.
Touching the mother’s abdomen.
An illness that causes nausea or vomiting.
3. What are the signs and symptoms of false labour pain?
Typically, Braxton Hicks contractions or false labour pain contractions:
Are not as painful as true labour contractions.
Feel like a tightening across the lower abdomen.
Do not occur at regular intervals.
Are infrequent.
Vary in intensity.
Do not get closer together or stronger over time.
Do not increase in how long they last.
May stop when you change your position or move.
4. How can you tell the difference between true and false labour pain?
Notice the difference between the following parameters when you feel contractions:
Frequency: True labour contractions follow a regular pattern and start happening closer together. False labour contractions remain irregular.
Duration: True labour contractions last more than 30 seconds in the beginning and get progressively longer for up to 70 seconds. False labour contractions do not have a set duration.
Intensity: True labour contractions get stronger at a steady rate. False labour contractions are usually weak and only get weaker with time.
Location: True labour contractions may start in your lower back and move to the front of your abdomen or vice versa. False labour contractions are usually concentrated in the lower abdomen and groin.
Continuance: True labour contractions continue no matter how you move. False labour contractions might stop when you change position, walk, or rest.
5. When should you contact a doctor about false labour pain?
Observe and time your contractions. If your contractions continue to get longer, painful, or closer together, they are probably true labour contractions.
You should also contact your doctor if you have symptoms such as abdominal pain, menstrual-like cramping, persistent low back pain, or any vaginal spotting or bleeding. These may be signs of preterm labour.
Do not worry about being embarrassed or bothersome to your doctor with repeated calls or visits. It is ok to be extra careful towards the end of the pregnancy. Seek medical help immediately if you observe or feel anything uncomfortable.
References:
1. American Pregnancy Association. 2021. False Labor. [online] Available at: <https://americanpregnancy.org/healthy-pregnancy/labor-and-birth/false-labor/> [Accessed 17 December 2021].
2. Cleveland Clinic. 2021. False Labor & Pregnancy. [online] Available at: <https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/9686-true-vs-false-labor> [Accessed 17 December 2021].
Disclaimer: This article is written by Practo for informational and educational purposes only. The content presented on this page should not be considered as a substitute for medical expertise. Please "DO NOT SELF-MEDICATE" and seek professional help regarding any health conditions or concerns. Practo will not be responsible for any act or omission arising from the interpretation of the content present on this page.