What to do if I’m experiencing false labour pain

You may experience false labour pains, commonly known as Braxton Hicks contractions before "real" labour begins. These irregular uterine contractions are completely normal and can begin as early as the fourth month of pregnancy. It is your body's way of preparing for the "big event," i.e., the day you give birth. Keep in mind that, while they may be difficult to differentiate from true labour contractions, they aren't as effective at pushing your baby out.

What does false labour pain feel like?

Braxton Hicks contractions begin as a painful but harmless tightening that extends downward from the top of your uterine muscles. They make your abdomen rigid and deformed unusually. They will grow more regular and powerful as you approach closer to your expected due date.

If you're a first-time parent, you might not notice them as much (or at all) or feel them as strongly as those who are pregnant for the second time. Even first-timers, though, are occasionally aware of them.

When can you expect these false labour pains?

Braxton Hicks contractions can start as early as week 20 of pregnancy in the second trimester, though they become more evident in the third trimester. They'll start to increase around week 32 and continue until real labour begins.

What does it feel like to have a real labour contraction?

Each woman's experience with a contraction is unique, and it may alter from one pregnancy to the next. Labour contractions induce pain or a dull soreness in your back and lower abdomen, as well as pelvic pressure. Some women may also experience discomfort in their sides and thighs. Severe menstrual cramps are described by some women, whereas strong waves that feel like diarrhea cramps are described by others.

How do you differentiate between true and false labour contractions?

Frequency of contractions - 

True labour contractions last 30 to 70 seconds and occur at regular intervals. They become stronger and closer as time passes. Whereas, false labour contractions are frequently erratic and may not progress in intensity.

Change as a result of movement - 

Even if you move, change positions, or try to rest, true labour contractions persist. But in the case of false labour when you move or rest, the contractions may stop. If you shift positions, they might even go away.

The intensity of pain - 

True labour contractions become stronger with time. False labour contractions are typically mild and do not progress much. Or they could start strong and subsequently weaken.

Location of pain - 

True labour contractions could begin in the lower back and progress to the front of your abdomen. Alternatively, they could begin in your belly and progress to your back. You will probably just experience false labour in the front of your belly or pelvic.

Is it normal to not have false labour contractions?

It's perfectly normal to have no false labour contractions, and it won't affect your ability to birth your baby. Some pregnant women, particularly first-time mothers, are unaware of their false contractions. Others may not recognize them when they experience them.

While they can be fairly intense in some women, particularly those who have previously given birth, they can also be subtle in others (only a tiny tightening of the abdomen) that they go unnoticed.

In any situation, don't be concerned if you aren't experiencing Braxton Hicks; you may not be aware of them or they may appear later in your pregnancy. Braxton Hicks symptoms can appear in the second or third trimester for some women. They can become stronger and more frequent as one approaches closer to the due date (though not usually!). In any case, feel free to visit your doctor to obtain answers to your queries and confirmation that everything is well.

What to do if you experience false labour pain?

Drink plenty of water because even mild dehydration might increase these contractions.During a painful contraction, try shifting your position – if you're seated, stand up (and vice versa). Walking and resting can help as well.Get a massage as it will help you to reduce the pain.Use these contractions as an opportunity to practice the breathing and visualisation methods you learned in your delivery class. Listen to music or take a warm bath to help you relax.

When to call the doctor?

If you're worried, anxious, or unsure about any pre-labor or pregnancy symptoms (or lack thereof), or if you're not sure if you're experiencing labour contractions or Braxton Hicks, call your doctor. Because labour indicators can be ambiguous, and preterm labour is especially difficult to detect, it's always best to see your doctor or nurse.

If your practitioner advises you to come in, it could be a false alarm and an unneeded journey — but you wouldn't be the first pregnant woman to travel to the doctor or hospital thinking she was in labour when she wasn't.

Pre-labor can continue anywhere from a few hours to a month or more, and each person's signs and symptoms will vary. Because it's not always easy to identify if you're in labour on your own, take the help of your healthcare provider.

If you have any of the following symptoms, contact your doctor or midwife straight away:

Any uterine bleedingIf you have a constant leak or if your water breaks (this can be gushing or trickling fluid).For an hour, there were strong contractions every 5 minutes.A noticeable difference in your baby's movement, or fewer than 10 movements per 2 hours.Before 37 weeks of pregnancy, any signs of real labor.

Remember that no one knows for sure what causes labour, and each woman's experience is different. It can be difficult to know when labour starts.

If you're unsure whether or not you're in labour, don't hesitate to phone your doctor. Preterm labor can be particularly deceptive. Consult your doctor if you notice any signs of labour before 37 weeks, especially if you're also experiencing vaginal spotting.

Do not be ashamed or frustrated if you arrive at the hospital in false labour. Consider it a warm-up exercise.