Episode 18·Pregnancy·4:24

The False Alarm That Made Me Ready for the Real Thing

The surprising benefits of a practice run in labor.

Sophie the kangaroo with a checklist, preparing for labor, a baby kangaroo peeking from her pouch
Sophie the kangaroo with a checklist, preparing for labor, a baby kangaroo peeking from her pouch
Episode 18 preview ·

The False Alarm That Made Me Ready for the Real Thing

The surprising benefits of a practice run in labor.

Hear the full episode in the app →

Ever had a false labor alarm? It's not a wasted trip, it's your body's way of gearing up for the main event. Let's unpack how these dry runs prepare us for the real thing.

In this episode

Think a false alarm is just a hassle? It's actually one of the most valuable prep experiences you'll have before labor. In this Maternity Mini, we'll decode what's happening during a false alarm and how to differentiate it from the real deal.

Three ways to know if it's the real thing

  • Change of Activity: If contractions stop when you change activities, it's likely a false alarm.
  • Sensation Location: Real contractions often start in the back and wrap around.
  • Post-Alarm Essentials: Use a false alarm to double-check your hospital bag.
  • pregnancy
  • labor
  • Braxton Hicks
  • false alarm

Continue listening

Hear the full episode in the Maternity app.

Sophie picks up where this teaser leaves off, with the full 4:24 conversation, plus everything else on Maternity.

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