Of course, the most worrying thing for a pregnant woman is feeling sudden contractions in her stomach. Is it a real divorce?
What is false labor?
Braxton Hicks contractions are called false labor, which is a type of contraction that occurs in the uterus during pregnancy, but does not lead to real labor or delivery. It can begin in the second trimester of pregnancy, but becomes more noticeable in the third trimester.
It is called false divorce;
The difference between false divorce and real divorce
Of course, feeling contractions and pain, especially near the birth date, may confuse the mother, and we can explain to you how to differentiate between real labor and false labor in the following points:
False labor is characterized by:
- Contractions do not follow a regular pattern - they may come every 10 minutes, then 20 minutes, then 5 minutes, without any real progression in frequency or intensity.
- Contractions are usually weak and do not get stronger over time. They may start out strong and then suddenly weaken.
- Braxton contractions are often short in duration, usually less than 30 seconds to 1 minute.
- The pain or contraction is concentrated in the lower abdomen and groin area only.
- A change in body position or movement can affect it, so it may disappear or weaken, and urinating or taking a warm bath may help relieve it.
While true divorce is characterized by:
- With regular contractions, which come at close and equal intervals, the time can be measured between the beginning of one contraction and the beginning of the next.
- The intervals between contractions become closer over time, for example: every 20 minutes, then every 15 minutes, then every 10 minutes, then 5 minutes, and so on.
- The intensity of the contractions increases in strength and pain gradually and continuously, and the duration of each contraction increases from 30 seconds to 60 seconds and may reach 90 seconds.
- The pain often begins in the lower back and extends to the entire front of the abdomen, and you also feel strong pressure in the pelvis.
- The contractions do not disappear with a change in position or movement. Rather, they may become stronger if you walk or change your activity. Rest or a warm bath may relieve the pain temporarily, but it does not stop the contractions.
- It is often accompanied by other signs of birth, such as: the mucus plug comes out, or the amniotic sac ruptures and the fetus’s water breaks.
Learn about: Causes of fetal water breaking without labor
When do false labor appear during pregnancy?
False labor or Braxton Hicks contractions appear at specific times during pregnancy, and the third trimester of pregnancy, i.e. after week 28, is often the common time for them to appear as the uterus has increased in size to make the contractions noticeable to the woman.
Some women can feel it in the middle of pregnancy, i.e. the second trimester, around week 20. However, it is usually milder and less frequent, and many may not notice it.
Symptoms of false labor
False labor is described as a contraction of the uterus, but it is characterized by:
- Irregularity, so it does not come at regular intervals.
- The duration between contractions does not decrease over time.
- The intensity or pain of contractions does not increase over time, they remain the same force or may weaken.
- You usually feel it in the front of your abdomen or pelvic area, not all over your abdomen or back.
- False contractions often go away if you change your position or walk, or they may subside if you sit or lie down, especially on the left side.
- Drinking enough water often helps reduce or stop it, as dehydration can cause it.
Book your consultation now at مركز صحة المرأة At Al Mousa Specialist Hospital.
Causes of false labor
The causes of false labor and the factors that lead to its occurrence are as follows:
- The main goal is to prepare the uterus for real birth, as false labor exercises the uterine muscle to contract and relax, enhances blood flow to the placenta, and helps the cervix become soft and thinner in preparation for dilatation.
- The mother's activity or fatigue, as she is stimulated by any excessive physical effort or feeling of fatigue, such as walking a long distance, carrying heavy things, or doing exhausting housework.
- Dehydration, which is one of the very common reasons. When the mother does not drink enough water, the body and uterus become more susceptible to irregular contractions.
- The bladder is full, because it puts pressure on the uterus, which may stimulate false contractions.
- Active fetal movement, where the baby's strong kicks or movements stimulate the uterine muscles and cause a contraction in response.
- Intercourse, because it releases the hormone oxytocin and releases prostaglandins, which may cause Braxton Hicks contractions afterwards.
- Maternal stress or anxiety, because emotional or nervous stress can increase the occurrence of these contractions.
Frequently asked questions
Does false labor last for hours?
Yes, false contractions can continue for several hours, especially in the last weeks of pregnancy, and this is very normal, but they do not continue continuously like real contractions and are irregular and do not get stronger.
When does true labor begin after false labor?
There is no fixed or direct time relationship between false labor and the start of true labor. The occurrence of Braxton Hicks contractions does not mean that labor will begin after specific hours or days.
False labor is an exercise for the uterus, and it is part of the process of preparing the body for childbirth, but it is not an indication of the timing of its occurrence. Braxton Hicks contractions may begin to appear in the middle of pregnancy, but childbirth does not occur until months later.
Does false labor open the uterus?
In general, false labor does not open the cervix directly or significantly. The real role of false labor is in preparation, not opening. It moistens the cervix, meaning it makes it softer and thinner in preparation for birth. It also prepares the uterus for the real birth process, but does not cause actual dilation in most cases.
It is worth noting that in some cases, especially in the last weeks of pregnancy, repeated false contractions may contribute to the beginning of the process of thinning of the cervix, which may make it more ready to dilate quickly once the real labor begins.
In rare cases, if the false contractions are strong and very frequent, they may contribute to some very slight dilatation such as: 1 cm, but this is not the norm.
Ultimately, understanding false labor is an essential part of the pregnancy journey, as it reduces anxiety and enables you to distinguish between it and true labor with confidence. To reassure you and ensure your safety at every step, Al Mousa Specialist Hospital provides integrated and comprehensive care for pregnant mothers, through a specialized medical team that provides the necessary support and guidance. Whether you are experiencing false labor or real labor, they are fully prepared to provide immediate and appropriate medical care, making the pregnancy and childbirth experience safer and more comfortable.
Do not hesitate to visit us to obtain optimal advice and treatment, or call the numbers listed on the website for more details, reservations, and inquiries.
