False labour, also known as Braxton-Hicks contractions, is a group of conditions typically experienced by pregnant women, primarily in the third trimester of pregnancy but can also occur earlier. These irregular contractions are often mistaken for true labour as they are similar, but they do not lead to birth. The primary characteristic of false labour is intermittent uterine contractions that do not produce significant changes in the cervix. These contractions differ from true labour contractions in their inconsistency, variable intensity, and lack of a progressive pattern. Additionally, they may often subside with movement or changes in position. False labour can cause discomfort, with symptoms including tightening in the abdomen that comes and goes and may feel like menstrual cramps. Despite the similar symptoms to true labour, understanding the characteristics of false labour can help differentiate it from the onset of actual labour.
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