Differentiating Between False Labor Pains and Real Labor Pains

How to Recognize When the Time Comes?

One of the most important questions in the minds of soon-to-be mothers is, “how will I recognize real labor pains?” Understanding the difference between real labor pains and false labor pains by recognizing the signs can be helpful.

False labor pains are known as “Braxton Hicks” contractions. It is the preparation of our body for the real labor process. It is not an indicator that birth or the body is ready for birth. False labor pains usually occur after the 22nd week of pregnancy due to stretching of the uterine muscle tissue. Placing your hand on your uterus during these weeks can cause the uterus to feel like a lump. These contractions last less than 30 seconds and usually do not cause any discomfort. These contractions are felt once or twice an hour or a few times a day. Most of the time, these contractions go unnoticed. Braxton Hicks contractions are present at 16 weeks of gestation, but as the uterus grows, the perception of these contractions increases. These pains occur to prepare the tone of the muscle fibers for the birth event. Some researchers argue that these contractions help in shortening and opening the cervix and assisting the baby’s head into the birth canal.

Braxton Hicks contractions:

Are usually painless. Sometimes, they can cause pain similar to menstrual cramps. Come at irregular intervals. Even if they are regular, they last for a short time. Usually stop if you change your activity. For example, if they occur while walking, they often stop when you sit down, and if they occur when you are sitting, they often stop when you stand up. The pains are not long and last less than a minute. Are unpredictable and not rhythmic. Do not increase in intensity. If these contractions cause discomfort, change your position, sleep or rest, relax by taking a warm shower or listening to music, or get a massage.

If you feel a stabbing or stretching pain in the lower part of your abdomen, these pains could be due to round ligaments. These ligaments support your uterus by holding it in the pelvis. As the uterus grows, these ligaments stretch. They can cause transient pains in the lower abdomen. The pain of the round ligaments typically begins after activities such as sudden movement, coughing, sneezing, or urination. Typically, it lasts for a few minutes or less.

To alleviate the discomfort you feel:

Change your position or activity causing the pain. If you feel pain on one side, lie on the other side. Support the lower part of your abdomen with your hand and move slowly when changing position. Rest. A warm bath and warm pads help ease the pain.

How do real labor pains feel?

Every woman feels real labor pains differently. It even varies from pregnancy to pregnancy. Labor contractions cause pressure in the pelvis, and pain in the lower back and lower abdomen. Some women feel the pain on the sides and thighs. The pains come at rhythmic intervals. Over time, their intensity and frequency increase. Some women describe the pain as cramps felt during severe menstrual cramps or diarrhea.

Feeling contractions every ten minutes or more frequently, feeling regular pressure or pain in your lower abdomen and back, increased pressure or pain in the vagina or pelvis, vaginal bleeding or fluid leakage, and experiencing nausea-vomiting-diarrhea are signs of real labor pains.

How do false and real labor pains compare?

False labor pains are irregular and not close to each other. Real labor pains are regular and last 30-70 seconds. They become more frequent and intense over time.

False labor pains stop when you walk and rest. Real labor pains are not affected by position.

False labor pains are weak and mild. Real labor pains intensify over time.

False labor pains are felt in the pelvis or lower abdomen, while real labor pains spread from the back to the entire abdomen or from the entire abdomen to the lower back.

When should you see a doctor?

In pregnancies less than 37 weeks: if there is vaginal discharge of fluid or bloody discharge, if there is pain in the lower abdomen and/or back and feeling pelvic pressure, these symptoms may indicate preterm labor. You should see your doctor or go to the hospital.

In pregnancies greater than 37 weeks: if you notice a decrease in fetal movements (less than 10 movements in 2 hours) and cessation, if you think your water broke, if you have bleeding, and if your contractions are frequent, strong, and regular, labor may have started. You should see your doctor or go to the hospital.