Alternative Names prelabour, Braxton Hicks contractions, prodromal labour, latent phase
Definition False labour or prelabour is often called the first stage of labour. It's when the cervix begins to thin out, shorten, and soften. False labour causes contractions that feel like the uterus is knotting up, known as Braxton Hicks contractions. These contractions are often irregular and do not get closer together consistently. They may stop when the woman rests and usually do not get stronger. False labour can feel just like true labour to a woman.
What is going on in the body? No one knows exactly what causes labour to start, but changes in hormones play a role. Labour begins when the cervix begins to open. The uterus, which is a muscle, contracts at regular intervals. When it contracts, the abdomen becomes hard. Between contractions, the uterus relaxes and the abdomen becomes soft. False labour can precede real labour by a very short time or by a full month or more.
What are the signs and symptoms of the condition? Symptoms of false labour include:
contractions that are not regular and do not increase in frequency or severity
pain in the lower abdomen
contractions that go away when the woman walks or rests
foetal movements that intensify briefly with contractions
vaginal discharge, if any, that is a brownish color
What are the causes and risks of the condition? No one knows exactly what triggers labour. Several theories have been suggested. The cause may be a combination of foetal, placental, and maternal factors.
The main risk is that the woman will discount true labour as false labour and delay calling the doctor. This can result in a home birth or an emergency delivery that could have been avoided. Many women worry about being embarrassed if their call to the doctor turns out to be false labour. It is always best to err on the side of caution and call the doctor.
What can be done to prevent the condition? No prevention is needed because Braxton Hicks contractions are normal. The uterus contracts throughout pregnancy.
How is the condition diagnosed? False labour is diagnosed on the clinical history of the contractions and a physical examination of the cervix. False labour does not cause the cervix to dilate or to thin out.
What are the long-term effects of the condition? False labour can cause pain severe enough to create breathlessness and the need to sit down. It is not uncommon for a woman to think she is in labour, and go to the hospital, only to be sent home again.
Sometimes Braxton Hicks contractions can last for several weeks, and the woman can become anxious and exhausted. This can lead to a vicious cycle that makes progress into labour more difficult.
What are the treatments for the condition? The woman must be reassured that false labour is normal, and very common. Not all doctors agree on the best approach to a prolonged and painful false labour. If the woman is exhausted, an anti-anxiety medication may be the only way to give the uterus some much-needed rest. This can space out the contractions and allow the woman to rest. A sedative or sleeping medication may also be prescribed.
What are the side effects of the treatments? It is important to use the smallest possible dose of medication.
What happens after treatment for the condition? After a few hours of rest and sleep, it is not unusual to have real labour begin.
How is the condition monitored? The woman can monitor these symptoms to tell whether false labour is progressing into real labour:
Contractions in false labour are not regular and do not increase in severity. They also tend to subside on walking or changing position. In real labour, the contractions intensify with activity and are not relieved by a change in position.
In false labour, discharge from the vagina is brownish. In real labour, it is pinkish or blood-streaked.
If the contractions get closer together and increase in strength, it's important to call the doctor.
Author: Dr. Karen Wolfe, MBBS, MA Reviewer: HealthAnswers Australia Medical Review Panel Editor: Dr David Taylor, Chief Medical Officer HealthAnswers Australia Last Updated: 1/10/2001 Contributors Potential conflict of interest information for reviewers available on request
