Labor Signs in Pregnancy
Despite the conventional wisdom that "you'll know" when you are in labor, it's not always easy to tell when labor is starting, particularly if the pregnancy is your first. In truth, unless labor has been triggered medically, it's impossible to tell exactly when labor is about to begin. Don't despair, however. There are several classic signs that can tell you whether the birth of your baby is imminent.
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Contractions
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Uterine contractions are the archetypal indication of imminent labor. However, not every contraction is a true sign of labor. Many women experience Braxton-Hicks contractions, an irregular tightening of the abdomen that can start in the second trimester and is usually not painful. True contractions occur at regular intervals, become stronger as time passes, and do not lessen in intensity if you change position or move. They often begin in the lower back and wrap around to the front of the abdomen.
Bloody Show
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During pregnancy, the cervix is blocked by a thick plug of mucus that prevents bacteria from entering the uterus. When the cervix begins to prepare for labor, it begins to thin and dilate and the mucus plug is driven out. This plug is called "bloody show" due to the pinkish-brown blood with which it is often tinged. If you see bloody show, you can expect that the start of labor is anywhere from two hours to two weeks away.
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Rupture of Membranes
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Although many women expect labor to begin with the breaking of the sac of amniotic fluids, according to the American Pregnancy Association, only 10% of pregnant women have this experience. But if you do experience a gush or trickle of a clear, odorless fluid, you may be one of the few. Give the fluid a sniff to make sure it's not urine, however, and call your doctor immediately if the fluid is tinged with green or smells foul because that can be a sign of infection. Generally, if your water breaks, labor will begin within a few hours.
Nesting
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Many women experience a burst of activity and energy shortly before going into labor. They have the urge to clean the house, prepare the baby's room, reorganize their closets and much more. This is referred to as nesting, and it is believed to be nature's way of helping the mom get as much as possible in order before the baby arrives.
Dilation
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The cervix begins to dilate (open) in preparation for the passage of the baby through the vagina. Dilation is measured in centimeters and the cervix is considered fully dilated at 10 centimeters. The dilation of the cervix can occur over a number of days or weeks, but generally it happens in the last month of pregnancy. The more dilated you are, the greater chance there is that active labor is just around the corner.
Effacement
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When the lower part of the uterus prepares for labor, the cervix begins to thin and stretch, which will allow for the passage of the baby. This thinning is called effacement. You will not know whether your cervix is effaced. Only your doctor will be able to tell. Effacement usually occurs within a week or two of the start of labor.
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