| False Labor | True Labor |
|---|---|
| Contractions: Braxton-Hicks intensify (more noticeable at night); short, irregular, little change | Contractions: begin in lower back, radiate to abdomen (“girdling"), become regular, rhythmic; frequency, duration, intensity increase |
| Relieved by change of position or activity (walking) | Unaffected by change of position, activity, drinking two glasses of water, or moderate analgesia |
| Cervical changes-none; no effacement or dilation progress | Cervical changes-progressive effacement and dilation |