false labor
Học thuậtThân thiện
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
- painless contractions of the muscles of the uterus that continue throughout pregnancy with increasing frequency