How to distinguish false labor from signs of premature labor

As your due date approaches, your uterus may occasionally contract, a phenomenon called false labor. However, some expectant mothers may experience premature labor. How to distinguish between false labor and premature labor?

False labor

False labor occurs late in pregnancy and feels like your uterus is completely tightening and bulging into a ball, or like your baby is doing somersaults in your tummy. It's usually painless and stops after about an hour.

Although false labor will definitely occur, not all expectant mothers will feel it, especially when they are pregnant with their first child, so even if you don’t feel any false labor at all, there is no need to worry.

Symptoms of premature labor

Premature contractions may occur between the 20th and 37th week of pregnancy and will continue, becoming more frequent, developing a pattern, and causing increasing discomfort.

Menstrual-like cramps occur above the pubic bone.

Pressure or pain in the pelvis, thigh, or groin

Dull pain in the lower back or pressure in the back

Intestinal cramps or diarrhea

Increased vaginal discharge

Watery, pink, or brown discharge or blood from the vagina

If you experience any of these symptoms, or if you have more than four contractions in an hour, see your doctor.

Your doctor or nurse may ask you to come in for an exam or to time your contractions. You can feel the contractions (the tightening and relaxing of the uterus) by placing your fingers lightly on your abdomen.

How to avoid premature birth

Drink 200 grams of juice or water every two hours to avoid dehydration and irritation to the uterus.

Eat healthy and gain 11 to 16 kg during pregnancy

When cleaning after urinating or defecating, be sure to wipe from front to back to prevent urethritis.

Sit down and elevate your legs every hour or so. Also avoid lifting heavy objects.

If the palace does not stop within the shortened time, you should immediately stop any activities and take a rest.

Try to reduce stress and relax.

Premature birth is indeed scary, but fortunately most expectant mothers will only experience false labor.

Remember to take good care of yourself and seek medical attention immediately if you experience any abnormalities.