Final answer:
Signs such as an unchanged cervix, irregular contractions, and lack of vaginal discharge changes, along with abdominal discomfort, suggest false labor, not true labor. These Braxton-Hicks contractions do not result in childbirth and may occur before true labor begins.
Step-by-step explanation:
The signs described in the question are indicative of false labor, also known as Braxton-Hicks contractions. These are characterized by an unchanged cervix, irregular contractions that can decrease with a change of position or activity, no evidence of change in vaginal discharge, and discomfort mostly in the abdominal and groin areas. False labor contractions are common and can occur before the onset of true labor.
True labor, in contrast, involves regular contractions that lead to cervical dilation and do not ease with rest or hydration. During true labor, contractions become more frequent and powerful over time, and the process is typically accompanied by a 'bloody show,' which is the expelling of the mucus plug from the cervical canal. Understanding the differences between false labor and true labor is crucial for determining when to seek medical assistance during the childbirth process.