How Does False Labor Differ From the Real Thing?

It's the end of your pregnancy and you're beyond ready to meet the tiny person who has been making their home in your belly for the better part of a year. With every twinge in your tummy or ache in your back, you wonder if you're having a contraction. But you might not be experiencing the real thing just yet.

False labor, which is also sometimes called prodromal labor, is common in the last few weeks of pregnancy. While similar to real labor in that both involve contractions and abdominal discomfort, false labor doesn't progress toward delivery. Here's the lowdown on what false labor is, why it happens, how to distinguish between real and false labor, and how long false labor lasts.

What Is False Labor?

False labor has a lot of names, including pre-labor, prodromal labor, and latent labor, to name a few. It's basically when you have contractions at term, but they don't result in a delivery, says Colleen Wittenberg, MD, an OB-GYN with Kaiser Permanente in Riverside, California.

You may have heard of pregnant people heading to the hospital, breathing through strong contractions the whole way there, just to be told that what they're feeling isn't "real" labor and that they should go home and wait it out. Frustrating, right? This situation can be the result of false labor, which can present in different ways for different people, so it's often hard to pin down.

What Causes False Labor?

The exact cause of false or prodromal labor—and why some people experience it more intensely than others—is unknown. However, researchers suspect it may be the body's way of "practicing" for real labor, as these false labor pains may help strengthen the uterine muscles and ligaments. That said, experiencing prodromal labor doesn't trigger real labor and isn't linked with a faster delivery once the real thing begins.

Some pregnant people anecdotally report that false labor contractions can result from a long day, stress, or lots of physical activity. In other cases, people report that it seemed to be triggered by nothing in particular.

What Does False Labor Feel Like?

False labor usually presents as "contractions that range from mild to strong and may be regular or irregular in their frequency and duration," explains Kristi Angevine, MD, a retired OB-GYN turned coach in Bend, Oregon. These contractions might come and go, typically every five to 10 minutes, but they don't become more frequent.

There can be pelvic and back pressure, abdominal tightening, vaginal discharge, and scant spotting, but no heavy bleeding. The main thing to remember is that while they can feel a lot like early labor, false labor contractions don't increase in frequency or intensity, and they don't result in any changes to the cervix like true labor contractions do.

How Long Does False Labor Last?

False labor can last anywhere from a few hours to a few weeks before actual labor begins, says Kaylah Rondon, MD, a physician at Atlantic Medical Group’s Women’s Health in Westfield, New Jersey. Some birth professionals think that extended prodromal labor is related to the baby's position in the uterus, but there's no consensus for that being a factor.

If you experience prodromal labor, don't get discouraged. It's normal—and if you're worried, speak to your medical provider. While it may not mean that you're going to meet your baby in the next few hours or days, experiencing false labor does mean that your body is getting ready for real labor, prepping for the process that's going to bring your baby to you. That's ultimately a good thing.

How Long After False Labor Is Real Labor?

False labor can happen weeks or even months before you actually go into active labor. You can also experience false labor days or hours before the real thing begins. Or you might not experience prodromal labor at all. Research shows that false labor doesn't trigger active labor. So, having false labor—or not—isn't a reliable indicator of when your real labor will start.

Tips for Coping With False Labor

Even though false labor is normal, it can be uncomfortable and tiring. To help you feel better and cope with false labor, try some of the following tips:

• Distract yourself. Sometimes giving your mind something else to focus on can help. Put on your favorite music, show, or movie, while waiting for symptoms to ease.
• Drink and eat. While you don't want to eat a big feast, try eating a small snack and drinking water. Fluids can help relieve muscle cramps (in this case, contractions).
• Change positions. While moving won't stop false labor contractions, changing your body's position can help ease the discomfort. Try walking a bit, sitting to rest, or light stretching.
• Take a warm bath. Immersing your body in water can help you relax. Fill up a tub (or ask someone for help) and take a relaxing bath to ease discomfort.
• Practice mindfulness. Whether you take a few deep breaths or complete a meditation session, mindfulness can be soothing. Take a few minutes to help your body and mind relax.

When To Call Your Health Care Provider

Generally, if your contractions are getting stronger, closer together, and more painful, call your medical provider to determine whether it's time to head to the hospital or birthing center. Other signs of real labor include lower backache and cramps.

Don't worry if you call multiple times with false alarms—that's totally normal and expected. Your medical provider wants to know about any changes in your symptoms and to discuss your questions or concerns.

If you're ever worried or unsure about what you are feeling, check in with your prenatal health care provider. Often, just a phone call is needed for them to tell if what you're experiencing is false labor or the real deal—though they might also ask you to come in to get checked out if you're worried or your symptoms are unclear.