How to Tell False Labor From the Real Thing
It is very common for women to think that they are in labor only to find out it's "false labor"—contractions that are irregular and unpredictable, don't progress over time, and slow down or stop.
Contraction: |
True Labor |
False Labor |
| Frequency | Regular and grow closer together | Remain irregular |
| Length and intensity | More than 30 seconds at onset and last progressively longer, up to 60 seconds, and stronger | Vary in length and intensity |
| Relation to your activity | Continue regardless of activity, grow stronger with increased activity such as walking | Often stop regardless of activity |
| Where it is felt | Begin high in abdomen and radiate throughout entire abdomen and lower back, or vice versa | Often concentrated in the lower abdomen and groin |
