False Labor - The Facts

False labor contractions, as the name suggests, are not the real thing. Also called Braxton Hicks Contractions, these contractions usually start early in the third trimester of pregnancy. These contractions feel as though you have pain in the abdomen. These are irregular and do not gain frequency by the minute.

How You Can Tell That They Are False Labor Contractions

If you begin to rest or take a walk or even if you change your position, the contractions may stop. The contractions only get weaker, not stronger. One more point, you can experience these contractions only in the front of the pelvic region as opposed to actual labor which starts in the small of your back.

About True Labor Contractions

True labor contractions during pregnancy can sometimes feel different for different women. However, many women may feel a dull ache in the lower abdomen and you may also feel pain in your legs. You may feel like you are getting menstrual cramps.

What You Should Do To Reduce False Labor

If you get false labor contractions there is no need to worry. There are certain things you can do at this time. Take rest, relax and go to sleep. Go for a walk. Walking will reduce the contractions. Your false labor pains will also reduce if you get yourself a massage or eat a small meal and drink water.

If You Are In Doubt

If you are in doubt about whether these are false labor contractions or the real thing, you must consult a doctor. He will know better and advise you on which steps to take during this period.

It is also important that you get to know more about the difference between false labor pains and true labor contractions. You can do this by reading various articles on the subject in good books and magazines or surfing the net for further information. You could also go to your local library. Remember- it is always better to be well informed about the false labor pains during child birth.

Early Pregnancy Symptom- You Could Be Pregnant!

Early pregnancy symptoms vary from woman to woman. Some women experience all the symptoms of early pregnancy while others experience only a few. If you start noticing some of the signs of pregnancy below, you have not had your period for some time and have been having unprotected intercourse, you could well be pregnant.

Tender Enlarged Breasts

Your breasts may feel sore and sensitive to touch and there may be a tingling sensation in the breasts. This is because of the surge in hormone levels.

Tiredness And Fatigue

You may feel tired all the time and this is an early symptom of pregnancy though know one knows why it happens.

Morning Sickness

Called morning sickness, the feeling of nausea and vomiting can hit you at any time of the day, morning, noon or night. Most women suffer this most uneasy feeling a month into their conception but some fortunate ones do not suffer from it at all. You could be free from morning sickness by the second trimester.


Frequent Urination

This is a sign of pregnancy that may start as early as the sixth week of your pregnancy and may worsen as the fetus exerts pressure on the urinary bladder, which means you maybe want to urinate more often. However don’t stop drinking water, because water keeps your body hydrated.

Implantation Bleeding

Some women have implantation bleeding or spotting, a little vaginal bleeding on the 10 or 11th day after conception. The bleeding will appear as a pinkish or reddish brown staining and lasts only one or two days. You must inform your doctor if it accompanies any abdominal pains as this could be a sign of a miscarriage.

Heightened Sense Of Taste And Smell

You may suddenly develop a heightened sense of smell and may be repulsed by certain smells of food. You may not want to eat the foods at all that you quite liked before and may start craving certain foods you earlier disliked! This is because of the effect of the hormone estrogen in your body.

Now that you have a basic idea of the early pregnancy symptoms, make sure you confirm your pregnancy with a pregnancy test or a visit to the doctor. Also, besides seeking professional help, talk to family and friends. Read a lot of good books and magazines to help you prepare for one of the most beautiful phases of your life.