As you approach the last few weeks of pregnancy, do you also experience stomach pain and lower abdominal cramps? Does it feel like you're about to have a baby? But after a while, that pain goes away. This is not just for first-time mothers , but for many mothers. It's normal to feel scared and anxious when you experience this kind of pain. You might think, "Do I need to go to the hospital now?", "Is this really the time to have a baby?" So let's talk about this today.
What is really happening?
Simply put, you feel pain as the muscles in your uterus tighten and relax. We call this 'contractions'. When your uterus contracts, your cervix gradually opens (dilates), making way for your baby to come into the world. This is usually the main sign that labor has begun.
However, sometimes, despite these pains, the cervix does not open . Doctors call this condition 'uterine contractions without cervical change'. That is, even though the uterus contracts, the cervix does not change in a way that is necessary for childbirth.
Some people call this 'false labor' in colloquial terms. Others call it ' prodromal labor ' in medical terms. Prodromal means 'early signs'. But doctors are reluctant to use either term because it can sometimes be misleading.
Doctors still don't know the exact cause of these pains. They can occur at various stages during pregnancy. But these pains don't get worse over time and go away after a while. Drinking some water, lying down for a while, and resting can help relieve this pain.
Is Braxton-Hicks the same thing?
You've probably heard of Braxton-Hicks contractions . They're another type of contraction that doesn't change your cervix. But they're usually more irregular than prodromal labor. Think about it, they come about one or two times a day. They may feel like a strong tightening on just one side of your belly. They usually go away when you change positions, get up and walk around a bit.
Let's know exactly the difference between true and false wisdom.
It is very important for you to know the exact difference between the two. Then you can take action at the right time without worrying unnecessarily.
The main sign that you're actually in labor is the dilation of your cervix. But you can't check for that at home. So you can pay close attention to the nature of your pain and understand the difference between the two.
The table below will help you understand these differences clearly.
| Characteristic | Prodromal/False Labor | True Labor |
|---|---|---|
| Pattern of pain | The pains come irregularly. One may come and then another in 10 minutes, another in half an hour. They don't come close together. | The pains come in a regular pattern. At first, they come every 15-20 minutes, then they start coming closer together, every 10 or 5 minutes. |
| Pain intensity | The pain does not get worse over time. It may be severe at first and then subside. | Over time, the pain gradually increases and becomes unbearable. |
| Duration of pain | The duration of a single pain varies. Some may last 30 seconds, others may last a minute. | The duration of a single pain gradually increases, initially lasting 30-40 seconds, then increasing to 60-90 seconds. |
| When changing positions | The pain often goes away when you walk, change positions, drink water, and rest. | No matter what you do, the pain won't go away. It's still there. |
| Where the pain is felt | The pain is usually felt only in the front of the abdomen. | The pain usually starts in the back and then spreads like a wave to the front of the abdomen. |
When you need to call the doctor immediately!
If you have any of the symptoms below, it is likely that you have a true heart attack. So don't waste time and call your doctor immediately or go to the hospital's Emergency Department (ETU).
- If your contractions are getting longer, more intense, and come every 5 minutes for more than an hour.
- If your stomach, hips, and lower back hurt, and the pain doesn't go away even after changing positions.
- If your 'water has broken' , that means a lot of watery fluid is leaking from your vagina all at once, or a little at a time.
- If you have a pink, red, or brown mucus-like discharge coming out of your vagina, this is called a ' Bloody Show '. This is when your cervix begins to dilate.
- If the bleeding is heavier than a normal drop of blood.
- If you are less than 37 weeks pregnant and have persistent, painful contractions like these, it could be a sign of preterm labor.
If you have any doubts, don't worry about whether this is true or not. Don't hold anything back, just give your doctor a call. It's the best and safest thing you can do for you and your baby.
Take-Home Message
- Prodromal labor is a common occurrence in late pregnancy. It's a sign that your body is preparing for the big day. Don't worry about it unnecessarily.
- Keep a record of when your pain comes, how long it lasts, and how severe it is. This will help you distinguish between true and false pain.
- In true labor, the pain gradually comes closer together, becomes more intense, and lasts longer. It does not subside even when you change positions.
- If your water breaks, you bleed heavily, or your labor pains are regular and painful (especially before 37 weeks), seek medical advice immediately.
- Most importantly: If you have any concerns, don't hesitate to talk to your doctor. Never be afraid to ask any questions you have.
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