TRUE LABOR |
FALSE LABOR |
Occurs at regular intervals |
Occurs at irregular intervals |
Intervals gradually shorten |
Intervals remain longer and/or irregular |
Intensity gradually increases |
Intensity remains the same |
Located in the abdomen and back |
Located chiefly in the lower abdomen |
Not affected by mild sedation |
Usually relieved by mild sedation |
How to time contractions
Try to keep a record of your contraction. Be patient!
DURATION: Feel your abdomen and record the time the firmness is noted and also when it feels relaxed. This is
usually 15 to 60 seconds in length.
FREQUENCY: Contractions are timed from the beginning of one to the beginning of another contraction. This is
usually noted in minutes.
Be sure to time several contractions in a row and notify your physician when they do appear to be occurring at regu-
lar intervals.
Other possible sign and symptoms of labor
- Bloody show
- Gush of water from the vagina; (ruptured membranes)
- Backache or discomfort occurring in lower abdomen that appears more intense with contractions.