False labour

According to Dr. Blasio Omuga, an obstetrician, false labour is a condition where a woman has labour pains that may not increase in intensity or frequency, and where labour does not progress. The contractions are weak and irregular and may not cause the cervix to dilate. Labour pains in a natural delivery increase with time and the contractions get stronger as labour progresses. It is also accompanied by blood-stained mucus which is not present in false labour.

A woman has false labour when the pain is concentrated on her abdomen and back but does not increase in intensity or frequency, and the mucus-like discharge commonly called ‘show’ is not present.

False labour depends on the sensitivity of one’s uterus. Some people have a very sensitive uterus which contracts under the influence of some hormones (prostaglandin or oxytocin). Oxytocin is a hormone found in the maternal blood stream, which causes stimulation. The uterus becomes increasingly sensitive to it as pregnancy advances. Prostaglandins are a group of substances found in the amniotic fluid, menstrual blood and sperm heads, among other cells. Prostaglandins are used to induce labour.

What causes false labour?

It can be as a result of urinary tract infection, an infection of the bladder caused by bacteria.

It can be caused by hyperactivity, for example, walking too much or being tossed about in a vehicle. When the roads are rough and bumpy the movement of the vehicle can cause false labour.

False labour can occur when a pregnant woman has severe coughing or malaria.

When the uterus has distended, for example, in cases of twin pregnancies, big baby or excessive amniotic fluid, false labour can occur.

Drug abuse such as smoking or drinking alcohol when pregnant is another cause of false labour.

Vigorous sexual activity after 36 weeks of pregnancy. This is because the sperm heads have a hormone, prostaglandins, which can provoke a sensitive uterus and cause false labour.

Is there a remedy for this condition?

After evaluating the patient to confirm the presence of false labour, she is re-assured that everything is under control.
The patient is given drugs to reduce or stop the contractions.
She is also checked and treated for any infections.
Lastly bed rest is prescribed.

What is its prevention?

Pregnant women should go for regular check-ups. In this way any infection detected can be treated, and false labour prevented.

False labour can be prevented by avoiding vigorous sex after the 36th week of pregnancy. As earlier explained sperm heads have prostaglandins which cause uterine contractions. False labour can progress to true labour leading to premature births.
When a woman has false labour it is important to go to the hospital for management so that it doesn’t progress to true labour.

What are the side effects of drugs used in false labour to the unborn child?

There are no side effects to the unborn child. However, the drugs can lead to prolonged labour or postpartum hemorrhage in the patient if she progresses to true labour despite treatment.

END: PG 4/31