Labor: True and False

There are pleliminary events to labor :

• Backache
• Cervix becomes soft and effaced and may begin to dilate
• Braxton Hicks contraction increase
• Lightening or dropping
• Membranes may rupture spontaneously
• Vaginal secretions increase
• Urinary frequency increases
• Passage of mucous plug occurs
• Weight loss of 1 – 3 lb
• “Bloody show” occurs
• Mother has a sudden burst of energy

How to differentiate between true labor and false labor?

True Labor:

• Contractions are in the back and abdomen
• Contractions are regular with decreasing intervals
• Contractions increase over time and increase with walking, and little or no effect from sedation
• Cervical dilation and effacement are progressive

False Labor:

• Contractions are in lower abdomen
• Contractions are irregular with unchanging or increasing intervals
• Contractions remain the same, unaffected by, or decrease with walking and relieved by sedation
• No dilation or effacement or cervix