REAL Labor

FALSE Labor

• Contractions are regular and come at increasingly shorter intervals and become longer and more intense.

• Timing of the contractions are irregular and do not become more frequent or more intense.

• Breaking of waters that result in a trickle or a gush of fluid. Contractions may start before or after.

• Contractions stop during rest, when mother stops what she is doing, walking, or changing position.

• Passing the mucus plug. Labor could still be a few days away, but it is coming.

• Contractions are inconsistent in strength (strong one minute then weak the next).

• Persistent pain in the lower back, especially if accompanied by a cramping, premenstrual feeling.

• Location of pain is in the front only.