What is False Labor and How Do You Know When You’re Really In Labor?

Obie Editorial Team

A few weeks ago, a good friend of mine went into labor. We planned to be there with her when she had her second child, so we packed up and headed north a few days before the weekend. We had planned on leaving Friday, but ended up scrambling on Wednesday night in order to get ready to leave early the next morning. When we got there, it turned out that she had actually gone into false labor. The same things happened again a few days later and my friend didn’t end up having her child until Monday morning.

While we waited with her, I wondered how often false labor actually happens and if there is some way to know when you’re going through the real deal.

What Is False Labor?
False labor, or Braxton Hicks contractions, is exactly what it sounds like. You get contractions just like you’re about to give birth and then when they get close together, they suddenly stop. This can be very frustrating for some women because of the pain associated with contractions and also because many women go to the hospital or birthing center only to be sent right back home.

How Can You Tell False Labor From Real Labor?
Braxton Hicks contractions may feel like real labor, but there are some differences. For one thing, the contractions you experience may be very irregular. For example, you may have them every half hour, then every 10 minutes, then every 15 minutes, then every 5 minutes. Normal contractions start farther apart and then get gradually closer together. 

Also, the duration of contractions get progressively longer as well with true labor. For example, when your contractions start, they may last for about 30 seconds until they eventually last for 60 second. False labor contractions vary in duration.

The location of your contractions is also different with true labor. With true labor, contractions start high in your abdomen and then gradually radiate through the rest of your abdomen and lower back. With false labor, the contractions are usually centered around the lower abdomen and through the groin area.

What Should You Do If You Feel like You’re Having a False Labor?
If you feel like you’re having a false labor, call your hospital or birthing center. False labor can feel more convincing if you’re on your second or third child. Don’t feel bad about going to your hospital or birthing center if you don’t know however, because the worst they can do is send you home for a while. Keep in mind though, if you feel contractions that get gradually closer and longer, then it’s probably time to pack the car and head out.

Pregnancy Association. (2006, November 1). False labor. American Pregnancy Association.