There are some common false labor signs. The contractions are unpredictable and irregular. For example, now the interval between the contractions is ten minutes, now it is eight, now it is five, etc. There is no progression over time. The woman feels the contractions in the form of an abdominal tightening. When the woman changes her position or activity the contractions either stop or slow down. Traditionally there is no bloody show. Membranes do not rupture during false labor. While giving false labor description, it is possible to compare it with the true one. First of all, it is necessary to define the frequency of the contractions. It is possible to record it with a clock or a watch jotting the time when the first contraction begins and the time when the next one begins. If it s a true labor the contractions are going to become regular coming closer to each other. As for the false labor, it has irregular contractions. You should also pay attention to how long each contraction is. It is necessary to record it with the help of the watch jotting down when it starts and when it ends. Usually true contractions last about 30 seconds at the beginning. Soon they get longer (up to 60 seconds) and stronger. As for the contractions of false labor, they vary in their intensity and length. The partner of the woman should notice whether the contractions change in their activity. True contractions go on regardless of the woman's activity. They may even get stronger with some kinds of activity, such as walking. As for the contractions with false labor, they may stop regardless of the woman's activity. If the labor is real the pain usually starts high in the abdomen, radiates all over the abdomen and then spreads to the lower back. The direction can also be opposite. During the false labor the contractions are concentrated in the groin and lower abdomen. Even after monitoring all these signs, you may not be sure that you have true labor. Some women can have painful contractions for some days without any cervical changes. But there are some who can feel only backache and little pressure. Very often women are interested whether they have to go to the hospital in such cases. It happens that a woman leaves for the hospital when she has regular contractions coming every three minutes. But when she arrives at the hospital, they stop. However, you should not be frustrated or embarrassed. Instead, it is necessary to take such situations positively, as a good practice run. It is necessary to say that all people are different, and it is not surprising that the scenario for the false labors can be different. Doctors say that false alarms seem to be more convincing in second or third labors in spite of the fact that such moms have rather a rich experience. If you are in doubt, you can call your doctor. Sometimes it is possible to determine true labors only with the help of a vaginal exam. The doctor will assess whether your cervix is dilating. The most common sign of true labor is the contractions that get stronger, longer and closer to each other. In this case you may be sure that you are on the way to the true labor.