Am I in labor? This is a question that haunts many pregnant women. The answer isn't easy either because labor can be different from one woman to the next and even from one pregnancy to the next. Let's take a look at true versus false labor.CONTRACTIONS
The most common sign of labor is contractions (the tightening of the muscles in the uterus). Many woman want to know how contractions will feel. There is no way to tell you exactly how labor will feel to you since each woman is unique and each labor is different. Some women describe contractions as feeling like bad menstrual cramps, or pain in the lower back and lower abdomen. Some women feel pressure and pain in the groin and thighs.
How do you tell if the contractions are really labor contractions, or Braxton-Hicks contractions? You should look for contractions which are progressive. This means over time the contractions last longer, come closer and become more intense. This is the hallmark of true labor contractions.
Characteristics | False Labor | True Labor |
Timing of the contractions | Contractions are often irregular and do not get closer together | Contractions come at regular intervals and over time come closer and closer. Over time the also last longer. |
Do they change? | Contractions may become less intense or even stop when you walk, rest, or change positions | Contractions do not change with a change in activity or position. |
How strong are they? | Contractions are mild and do not get much stronger. You can easily move and talk during them. | Contractions steadily increase in strength, they become more and more intense until you cannot walk or talk through a contraction. |
| Water Breaks | Water doesn't break | If your water breaks, you are in labor regardless of your contractions. |
If you think you are in labor, or if your water breaks, contact you health care provider immediately. If you are unsure, your health care provider will be glad to talk you about your symptoms and help you decide if you need to be evaluated or not. There is no need for you to try to diagnosis labor all by yourself.
