What you need to know about false labor like Jackie Matubia

• The symptoms of this “false labor” can feel a lot like the real thing

Piece by: Maureen Waruinge
Entertainment

•This is a question you may have as you near the end of your pregnancy

•You may have contractions on and off before true labor starts

flaunts baby bump
Jackie Matubia flaunts baby bump
Image: Courtesy

Actress Jackie Matubia two days ago experienced false labour while at the birthday celebration of Terence Creative.

Jackie has experienced false labour twice.

She narrated on her YouTube channel that she is emotionally drained after waiting for her baby for so long.

 

Here's how to tell the difference between these false labour contractions and the real thing.

False labour pains are also known as Braxton Hicks contractions.

  1. Some contractions that occur during the final weeks of pregnancy are not a sign of labour. 
  2. False labour is characterized by contractions that come and go with no pattern or consistency, usually in the last two to four weeks before your due date.
  3. It can start midway through your pregnancy and continue until the end.
  4. The contractions are not deep enough to push your baby out unlike the real thing when contractions start.
Pregnant woman
Image: Photos for Class
  1. They start as an uncomfortable but painless tightening that begins at the top of your uterine muscles and spreads downwards. They cause your abdomen to become very hard and strangely contorted (almost pointy). Once you get closer to your estimated due date, they will become more frequent and intense.
  2. The contractions can begin any time after week 20 of pregnancy in the second trimester, though they're more noticeable in later months, in the third trimester. They'll increase starting around week 32 all the way until real labour starts.
  3. False labour is a message sent by your body to tell you to slowly start the process of childbirth.
  4. The contractions generally only last between 15 and 30 seconds, though they can be as long as two minutes.
WATCH: For the latest videos on entertainment stories

Check out the latest news here and you are welcome to join our super exclusive Mpasho Telegram group for all the latest and breaking news in entertainment. We would also like to hear from you, WhatsApp us on +254 736 944935.