Prelabor - False Labor

False labor or prelabor is often called the first stage of labor. It's when the cervix begins to thin out, shorten, and soften. False labor causes contractions that feel like the uterus is knotting up, known as Braxton Hicks contractions. These contractions are often irregular and do not get closer together consistently. They may stop when the woman rests and usually do not get stronger. False labor can feel just like true labor to a woman.

What is going on in the body?

No one knows exactly what causes labor to start, but changes in hormones play a role. Labor begins when the cervix begins to open. The uterus, which is a muscle, contracts at regular intervals. When it contracts, the abdomen becomes hard. Between contractions, the uterus relaxes and the abdomen becomes soft. False labor can precede real labor by a very short time or by a full month or more.

What are the causes and risks of the condition?

No one knows exactly what triggers labor. Several theories have been suggested. The cause may be a combination of fetal, placental, and maternal factors.

The main risk is that the woman will discount true labor as false labor and delay calling the healthcare provider. This can result in a home birth or an emergency delivery that could have been avoided. Many women worry about being embarrassed if their call to the healthcare provider turns out to be false labor. It is always best to err on the side of caution and call the provider.

What are the signs and symptoms of the condition?

Symptoms of false labor include:

How is the condition diagnosed?

False labor is diagnosed on the clinical history of the contractions and a physical examination of the cervix. False labor does not cause the cervix to dilate or to thin out.

What can be done to prevent the condition?

No prevention is needed because Braxton Hicks contractions are normal. The uterus contracts throughout pregnancy.

What are the long-term effects of the condition?

False labor can cause pain severe enough to create breathlessness and the need to sit down. It is not uncommon for a woman to think she is in labor, and go to the hospital, only to be sent home again.

Sometimes Braxton Hicks contractions can last for several weeks, and the woman can become anxious and exhausted. This can lead to a vicious cycle that makes progress into labor more difficult.

What are the treatments for the condition?

The woman must be reassured that false labor is normal, and very common. Not all healthcare providers agree on the best approach to a prolonged and painful false labor. If the woman is exhausted, an anti-anxiety medication may be the only way to give the uterus some much-needed rest. This can space out the contractions and allow the woman to rest. A sedative or sleeping medication may also be prescribed.

What are the side effects of the treatments?

It is important to use the smallest possible dose of medication.

What happens after treatment for the condition?

After a few hours of rest and sleep, it is not unusual to have real labor begin.

How is the condition monitored?

The woman can monitor these symptoms to tell whether false labor is progressing into real labor:

If the contractions get closer together and increase in strength, it's important to call the healthcare provider.

Author:Dr. Karen Wolfe, MBBS, MA
Date Written:
Editor:Duff, Ellen, BA
Edit Date:07/24/00
Reviewer:Gail Hendrickson, RN, BS
Date Reviewed:07/01/01

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