Definition

Noun 1. Braxton Hicks contractions: Painless or mildly uncomfortable tightening sensations of the uterine muscles that occur intermittently, typically increasing in frequency as pregnancy progresses. These are not a sign that active childbirth is beginning.

Usage

• "False labor" is a non-technical term commonly used to describe contractions that feel like the onset of real labor but do not lead to cervical dilation and birth.
• It is often contrasted with "true labor" or "real labor."
• The term is primarily used in informal, educational, or patient-care contexts related to pregnancy.

Examples

• The expectant mother experienced false labor several times during her third trimester, which was both exciting and confusing.
• Her doctor explained that the irregular tightenings she felt were likely just false labor.
• It can be difficult for first-time parents to distinguish between false labor and the real thing.

Advanced Usage

• "to have an episode/bout of false labor": To experience a period of these contractions.
  • She had a brief bout of false labor at 36 weeks, but the baby wasn't ready to arrive yet.

Variants and Related Words

• Braxton Hicks contractions (n): The formal medical term for "false labor."
• Practice contractions (n): An informal synonym emphasizing the body's preparation for birth.
• True labor (n): Contractions that are regular, increase in intensity, and lead to cervical change and delivery.

Synonyms

• Braxton Hicks contractions
• Practice contractions
• Prodromal labor (Note: This term sometimes refers to a specific type of early, prolonged latent labor that is different from typical false labor.)

Related Phrases

• "It's just false labor.": A common reassurance given to a pregnant person experiencing non-progressive contractions.
  • After monitoring her, the midwife said, "Try to rest; it's just false labor."

Noun

1. painless contractions of the muscles of the uterus that continue throughout pregnancy with increasing frequency