How do you read the false labor symptoms?  Especially for first-time mums, how do you know the contractions are the real thing and how do you know they are false labor symptoms?  It is always good to be armed with the right information so that you can be better prepared to discern truth versus false alarms.

You will experience false labor symptoms and pains, before the real ones come along.  These false labor pains are known as Braxton Hicks contractions.  When you feel a tightening of the abdomen that comes and goes this is the Braxton Hicks contractions, the false alarms per se.  There is no fixed pattern to the contractions and does not get stronger nor last longer each time you experience the contractions.  Actually, these uterus contractions start as early as at around 6 weeks of your pregnancy although most probably you have not been able to feel it.  As you progresses into pregnancy, you may experience it from around the time you are 4 months pregnant.  Yet, some women do not feel it at all!  Whichever way (feeling it or not), it is your body’s way of getting you prepared for the real thing that will come along.

So how do I read the false labor symptoms?

(1) Timing of contractions

In false labor, the contractions are irregular and far.  They do not get closer between contractions.

(2) Strength of contractions

Contractions are usually weaker and do not increase in intensity.  It may start off strong but will usually tail-off and gets weaker.

(3) Pain of contractions

You will feel the pain of contractions mainly at the front lower abdomen area or pelvic region.

(4) Change in Activities or Position

If you are experiencing true labor, no matter what kind of positions you take, the grueling pains will stay!  However, false labor symptoms will see the contractions stopping when you rest, walk or change a position.


(5) Cervix

There is no change to the cervix.  It does not cause significant and progressive dilation of your cervix that will usually happen to prepare for the birth.

These false labor symptoms can be so real for those in their second or third labors even though they are experienced mothers.  All the more for new mothers, do not worry.  If in doubt, contact your doctor.  He or she will understand how you feel and will more often than not embrace you even if they all turn out to be false labor symptoms.

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