🩺 True Labor vs. False Labor
Feature | True Labor 🏥 | False Labor (Braxton Hicks) 🤰 |
|---|---|---|
Contraction Pattern | Regular, rhythmic, get stronger over time | Irregular, unpredictable, may stop |
Contraction Intensity | Becomes more intense, longer, and closer together | Usually mild, does not increase in intensity |
Location of Pain | Starts in lower back, moves to abdomen | Usually felt in the front of the abdomen |
Effect of Movement | Does not stop with walking, changing positions, or rest | Often stops or eases with rest, hydration, or position change |
Cervical Changes | Causes cervical dilation & effacement | No significant cervical changes |
Membrane Rupture (Water Breaking) | May occur as labor progresses | Does not occur in false labor |
Bloody Show | May be present as cervix dilates | Not usually seen |