Waiting for your baby’s arrival can feel like riding a rollercoaster, anticipation growing as you inch further and further along in your journey. Every little cramp or tightening might have you wondering, is this it? Am I in labor? While true contractions will clue you in about baby’s impending arrival, you may encounter some imposters along the way. False labor can be tricky and surprisingly convincing, leading many soon-to-be parents to make a frantic hospital trip only to be sent home. So let’s unpack the difference between false labor and the real deal—knowing which is which can save you a lot of stress (and unnecessary rides to the hospital!).

What is false labor?

False labor—aka prodromal labor or Braxton Hicks contractions—feel real but doesn’t actually kickstart the process of birth. These contractions may be uncomfortable and might even come in a pattern, which is why so many people mistake them for an early sign of labor.

Prodromal Labor vs. Braxton Hicks

Both of these fall under the "false labor" category, but they’re not quite the same:

• Braxton Hicks contractions: These are light, sporadic, and totally painless. They usually pop up earlier in pregnancy and don’t mean labor is coming anytime soon.
• Prodromal labor contractions: These feel more real and tend to be more regular than Braxton Hicks, but they still don’t make your cervix dilate. They’re more common in the last few weeks before delivery.

While neither actually leads to labor, prodromal contractions are a sign your body is gearing up for the big moment.

How do you know if you’re in false labor?

There are a few ways you can tell if your labor contractions are the real thing.

False Labor Signs

• Contractions are all over the place—irregular and not getting stronger over time.
• Changing positions or drinking water makes them fade away.
• The pain is mostly in your belly and doesn’t move to your lower back.
• Your cervix isn’t actually dilating. (More on cervical dilation!)

What can trigger false labor?

A lot of everyday things can bring on these "fake-out" contractions, including:

• Not drinking enough water: Being dehydrated can make your uterus contract, leading to annoying but harmless cramps.
• Moving too much: Exercise or lots of walking can bring on Braxton Hicks contractions, but they’ll go away once you rest.
• A full bladder: Yep, even something as simple as needing to pee can make your uterus tighten up.
• Getting intimate: Orgasms and even semen can sometimes trigger contractions that feel labor-y but aren’t.
• Stress and exhaustion: If your body is tense, your uterus might respond with cramping.

How long can false labor last before the real thing?

Some parents-to-be experience prodromal labor for days—or even weeks—before real labor kicks in. It’s frustrating, but these contractions are helping prep your uterus and cervix for the big day. They might come at the same time every day and then disappear, leaving you wondering if the show’s about to hit the road. If you’re having contractions for hours but they don’t ramp up or get closer together, it’s probably just a practice round.

How can you tell the difference between false and true labor?

The trick is paying attention to how strong, frequent, and consistent your contractions are. Here’s a quick cheat sheet:

True Labor Contraction Signs

• Get stronger, longer, and closer together.
• Don’t go away when you rest or drink water.
• Start in your back and move toward the front.
• Lead to actual cervical changes (dilation and effacement).

False Labor Contraction Signs

• Stay inconsistent—sometimes close together, sometimes not.
• Go away when you change positions or hydrate.
• Mostly stick to the front of your belly.
• Don’t make any real progress toward labor.

Still unsure? Try timing your contractions. If they’re getting progressively closer together and stronger—and you’re noticing other signs like losing your mucus plug or your water breaking—it’s probably go-time.

False Labor Final Thoughts

False labor can be a total mind game, but knowing the signs can help you feel more confident as your due date approaches. If you’re ever in doubt, don’t hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider. And while false labor can be exhausting (and painful!), take heart—your body is getting ready for the real deal, and your baby will be here soon!

More on Labor and Delivery:

• Natural Ways to Induce Labor: Fact vs Fiction
• Pain Relief During Labor: Your Best Options
• Labor Relaxation Techniques That Really Work
• How to Write a Birth Plan (Plus, Examples!)
• The Pros and Cons of Pitocin

 

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REFERENCES

• American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG): How to Tell When Labor Begins
• Cleveland Clinic: Prodromal Labor: What It Is and How to Tell the Difference
• National Library of Medicine (NCBI): Braxton Hicks Contractions and Prodromal Labor
• Northwestern Medicine: Signs of Labor

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Disclaimer: The information on our site is NOT medical advice for any specific person or condition. It is only meant as general information. If you have any medical questions and concerns about your child or yourself, please contact your health provider.