The main ways to distinguish true contractions from false contractions are in terms of their intensity, frequency and duration, and whether they cause shortening of the cervical canal and dilatation of the uterine opening. 1. Strength of contractions: False contractions are weak and abdominal pain is not obvious or only mild abdominal pain, while true contractions are stronger and most of them are accompanied by abdominal pain. 2. Frequency and duration of contractions: true contractions are regular and gradually strengthened uterine contractions, the duration is getting longer and longer, the interval is gradually shortened, the use of strong sedative drugs can not inhibit contractions. False contractions are irregular, of short duration and long intervals, often occurring at night and disappearing in the morning, and can be suppressed by strong sedative drugs. 3. Shortening of the cervical canal and dilatation of the uterine opening: true contractions are accompanied by the disappearance of the cervical canal, dilatation of the uterine opening and the descent of the fetal prelude; false contractions are not accompanied by the shortening of the cervical canal and dilatation of the uterine opening. It is advisable to consult your doctor to determine which type of contraction you are experiencing and decide on the next step to avoid delaying your condition.