Introduction
Labor refers to a series of spontaneous contractions that progresses to dilate the cervix and let the baby out through the cervix. It occurs two weeks before or after the estimated due date. The signs of labor vary by person, except for a few common signs. Several women experience false uterine contractions that are similar to true labor. It can occur in the second or third trimester, or even before the estimated date of delivery. However, there lies a significant difference between true labor and false labor.
What Is True Labor?
Labor is a natural birthing process that occurs in stages. Labor has started if symptoms such as an increase in pressure in the uterus and a bloody mucus discharge are present. True labor occurs when contractions are painful and regular. It includes the following stages:
First Stage
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Early Labor:
Early labor is the least intense and longest phase of all phases of labor. Thinning of the cervix and dilation of about three to four cm (centimeters) occurs in this stage. It can happen over a period of days, weeks, or hours. Contractions can range from mild to strong in this phase, and women experience symptoms such as cramps, backache, and bloody mucus discharge present in early labor.
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Active Labor:
Active labor occurs after the first phase of labor. In this phase, the cervix dilates to seven cm in diameter, and the contractions are stronger in this phase. Symptoms such as backache and bleeding are present in this phase.
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Transitional Labor:
The transitional phase is the most intense phase with an increase in intense labor contractions. The contractions become strong and they occur two to three minutes apart, for 60 to 90 seconds. The cervix dilates to 10 cm in this phase.
Second Stage
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Delivery of the Baby:
The cervix is completely dilated during the second stage of labor. Some women experience the urge to push the baby, soon after the cervix is fully dilated. However, the baby may be high up and it takes some time for the baby to come out. Women who are not anesthetized with an epidural anesthesia, experience a severe urge to push and may have severe pressure in the rectal region when the baby is low enough to come out. Women with epidural anesthesia may also experience rectal pressure and the urge to push. However, it is not intense compared to those without anesthesia.
Third Stage
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Delivery of the Placenta:
The placenta will be delivered spontaneously after childbirth. Mild contractions cause the placenta to separate from the uterine wall and descend through the vagina. After the placenta comes out, a tear or the surgical cut (episiotomy) will be sutured.
What Does False Labor Mean?
False labor pains or contractions are referred to as Braxton-Hicks and are felt during the second or third trimesters of pregnancy. It may start around six weeks of pregnancy, but it is felt only during the second or third trimester of the pregnancy. It does not indicate the onset of labor, but it denotes that the body is preparing for true labor. The false pains and contractions are a part of normal pregnancy. It occurs when the muscle fibers in the uterus contract and relax to prepare for true labor. However, the exact cause for Braxton-Hicks is not known. These contractions are due to the demand for blood flow to the placenta to provide oxygen to the fetus. But, there is a significant difference between true labor and false labor.
How to Differentiate True Labor and False Labor?
The difference between true labor and false labor lies in the timing of the contractions. Other differences include the intensity of the contractions, pain felt in different regions, and a change in the contractions with the changes in the movement. It includes the following differences:
False Labor
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Contractions are not regular and the interval between the contractions does not decrease.
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The contractions stop with movements such as walking, resting, or changes in position.
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The contractions are not intense and do not become stronger, or weaker.
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Pain is usually felt in the front part of the pelvic region.
True Labor
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Contractions are regular and intense, and the interval between contractions decreases over time, and each contraction lasts for 30 to 70 seconds.
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The contractions continue regardless of the change in position or movement.
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The contractions progress to become intensive.
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The pain usually starts in the back and progresses to the front part of the pelvis. Pain can also be felt in the sides and thigh region.
The onset of true labor can be identified with the following signs:
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The contractions are felt every five minutes and they last for one minute, for at least 1 hour. In true labor, contractions can cause discomfort, dull ache in the back and lower abdomen, and pressure in the pelvis.
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True labor commences with the cervical discharge. Bloody mucus or a discharge of mucus plug indicates that labor has begun.
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Intense contractions may cause nausea or vomiting in some women.
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The contractions become intense and vaginal tears can occur indicating the progression of labor.
If a woman is unsure about the onset of labor, it is essential to consult a gynecologist for further evaluation.
When to Contact the Doctor During Labor?
It is crucial to contact the doctor if the following signs are present:
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Dark red vaginal bleeding.
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Water breaks, or continuous leaking of bloody mucus, or mucus plugs.
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If severe and intense contractions are present.
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If a noticeable change in the baby’s movement, or if 6 to 10 movements are felt in one hour.
Conclusion
Labor is the process of birthing that occurs after a baby is fully developed. Women should be aware of the difference between true labor and false labor. It is essential to confirm with the gynecologist if an individual is unsure about the onset of labor and the symptoms that occur. True labor and false labor are significantly different in the timing of contractions. It is important to differentiate between the symptoms of true labor and false labor to avoid unnecessary confusion.
