Spotting False Labor

False labor can be a total mind game, but knowing the signs can help you feel more confident as your due date approaches (most moms do not give birth on their EDD) . If you’re ever in doubt, don’t hesitate to reach out to me. False labor can be exhausting or painful, be confident that your body is getting ready for you to meet your new baby.

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 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.

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 go away when 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

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