What is labour in pregnancy?

Labour in pregnancy is the process of the body preparing for childbirth. It is the process by which the uterus contracts to open the cervix and allow the baby to pass through the birth canal. Labour typically starts with the onset of regular contractions, which become stronger, longer, and more frequent over time. Labour can last anywhere from a few hours to several days.

What is true labour ?

True labour is the period of labour that begins with regular contractions and ends with the delivery of the baby. During true labour, contractions become progressively stronger, longer, and more frequent. This is known as the active phase of labour and can last from several hours to several days.

How to recongnize true labour?

To recognize true labour, look for regular contractions that become stronger, longer, and more frequent over time. In general, contractions should be about 30-45 seconds long and about 3-5 minutes apart. Other signs of true labour include increased lower back pain, increased vaginal discharge, cramping, and a "show" (when the mucus plug passes from the cervix).

You know you're in true labor when: 

You have strong and regular contractions. A contraction is when the muscles of your uterus tighten up like a fist and then relax. Contractions help push your baby out. When you're in true labor, your contractions last about 30 to 70 seconds and come about 5 to 10 minutes apart.

What is false labour?

False labour, also known as Braxton Hicks contractions, is the period of sporadic, irregular, and usually painless contractions that can occur throughout pregnancy. These contractions do not indicate that labour is impending or that the baby is ready to be born.

How to recongnize false labour?

False labor, or Braxton-Hicks contractions, is a common occurrence in pregnancy. It can be difficult to tell the difference between false labor and true labor, but there are some key differences. False labor usually involves weak, irregular contractions that don’t become stronger or more frequent over time. The contractions also usually don’t last longer than 30 seconds each. True labor usually involves stronger, more regular contractions that last longer than 30 seconds and become increasingly more intense over time. Other signs of false labor include contractions that stop when you change positions, while true labor contractions continue regardless of how active you are.