False Labor (Braxton Hicks Contractions)
- Irregular, painless uterine contractions that do not lead to cervical dilation.
- Occur throughout pregnancy but more noticeable in the third trimester.
True Labor
- Regular, painful uterine contractions that cause progressive cervical dilation and effacement, leading to childbirth.
2. Differences Between False & True Labor
|
Feature |
False Labor |
True Labor |
|
Contraction Pattern |
Irregular, unpredictable |
Regular, rhythmic, increasing in intensity |
|
Duration & Intensity |
Short-lasting, weak |
Longer duration, progressively stronger |
|
Pain Location |
Lower abdomen & groin |
Starts in back, radiates
to abdomen |
|
Effect of Activity |
Stops with rest, hydration |
Persists despite rest or walking |
|
Cervical Changes |
No dilation or effacement |
Progressive dilation & effacement |
|
Show (Mucus Plug Discharge) |
Absent |
May be present |
|
Membrane Rupture |
Not present |
May occur (rupture of membranes) |
Key Differentiator: True labor causes progressive cervical changes, whereas false labor does not.
3. Management of False & True Labor
False Labor:
- Hydration & Rest: Reduces Braxton Hicks contractions.
- Warm Bath & Relaxation: Helps relieve discomfort.
- Reassurance: Educate mother on signs of true labor.
True Labor:
- Hospital Admission if Contractions are Regular (Every 5 Minutes for ≥1 Hour).
- Monitor Cervical Dilation & Fetal Well-being (CTG).
- Pain Management: Epidural, IV analgesia if needed.
4. When to Go to the Hospital?
Seek medical attention if:
- Regular contractions every 5 minutes lasting 45–60 seconds.
- Rupture of membranes (Leaking fluid).
- Vaginal bleeding or passage of mucus plug ("bloody show").
- Severe pain not relieved by rest.
- Decreased fetal movements.
5. Summary Table: False vs. True Labor
|
Feature |
False Labor |
True Labor |
|
Contraction Pattern |
Irregular, Weak |
Regular, Stronger Over Time |
|
Pain Location |
Lower Abdomen, Groin |
Starts in Back, Moves to Abdomen |
|
Effect of Activity |
Stops with Rest |
Continues Despite Rest |
|
Cervical Changes |
No Dilation or Effacement |
Progressive Dilation & Effacement |
|
Hospital Admission? |
Not Needed |
Needed |
Key Takeaways
- False labor is irregular and does not cause cervical changes.
- True labor has regular, increasing contractions with cervical dilation.
- Membrane rupture, bloody show, and intense pain indicate true labor.
- Hospital admission is required once active labor begins.
