False labour vs true labour is an important distinction in Obstetrics, especially toward the end of pregnancy.
🔹 True Labour
This is the real onset of childbirth.
Contractions: Regular, strong, and increase in intensity and frequency
Pain pattern: Starts in the back and radiates to the front (abdomen)
Cervical changes: The cervix dilates (opens) and effaces (thins)
Activity effect: Contractions continue or get stronger even if you walk or rest
Show/water breaking: May have bloody discharge (“show”) or rupture of membranes
👉 These contractions lead to delivery of the baby.
🔹 False Labour (Braxton Hicks contractions)
These are practice contractions and not actual labour.
Contractions: Irregular, usually weak, and do not get closer together
Pain pattern: Mostly felt in the front of the abdomen
Cervical changes: No dilation or effacement
Activity effect: Often stop with rest, hydration, or change in position
No show or water breaking
👉 They prepare the uterus but don’t lead to childbirth.
🔑 Quick Comparison
Feature True Labour False Labour
Regularity Regular Irregular
Intensity Increasing Same or decreasing
Cervical change Yes No
Relief with rest No Yes
Outcome Leads to delivery No deliv
