How to Know if You Are in Labor

The onset of labor varies from woman to woman, but there are some clear markers that will let you know the time has come.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Clocks
• Pencils
• Notebooks
• Pencils
• Stopwatches
• Pencils
• Notebooks

1. Recognize "lightening" - when your baby drops into the pelvis - usually two or three weeks before delivery in first-time moms; in later births, babies don't usually drop until labor begins.

2. Learn to identify the rehearsal or Braxton-Hicks contractions that women experience starting in the second trimester. Despite this strange feeling - these irregular contractions do not mark labor's onset.

3. Realize that the loss of your mucus plug (also called a bloody show) does not mean labor is imminent; this can happen as much as two or three weeks before you give birth.

4. Know that your water breaking does not necessarily signal the beginning of labor (though if labor does not begin in 24 hours, most doctors will give you hormones to kick start contractions).

5. Time your contractions for a half hour. If they are coming closer and closer together and each one lasts more than 40 seconds, then when they repeatedly occur less than five minutes apart, you're in labor.

Tips & Warnings

• Some women experience back pain and flulike symptoms in the days and hours before contractions begin.
• Keep a record of your contractions so that your midwife or physician can see how your labor is progressing.
• Early contractions are stronger and more effective if you're upright and moving around.
• Birth and labor are unpredictable enterprises. Call your doctor or midwife if you have concerns or worries.

[lovemygwapobana]

on 10/14/2008 i kinda understadn what she feels coz for now i am already contarcting for 7 days ...and feel lots of pain in my contraction.me and my husabdn went to the hospital two times already .but im only 2 cm and 80%effaced.So now i am just waiting coz as first time in my pregnancy i also don't know much even with the books.For now im also 37 weeks and 2 days...hope and pray sombody can give me also information.

[sweetnschtuff]

on 12/15/2007 my daughter is 17 years old and 37+ wks, due January 2. She has been having contractions for 8 days, a week ago Fri we were at the hospital for many hours, were sent home. The contractions are real shes dialated at 1 cm and is 75% effaced. She had an appoint. on the following Mon, no change then on Thursday her contractions came 2-5 min w/ more pain. We were sent to the hosp. again. Hours later, home again. I understand this happens But I am more concerned today, she is so exhausted, her pain is stronger and some contractions last 10-15 min, some 1-3 and are 5-7 min apart, sometime 3-4 min. Plus today she feels that the baby hasnt moved that she can recall, I gave her cold water and food to try getting the baby move, we dont know when to go in anymore or if to call about her pain? But what if something is wrong? I dont want to over or under react.

[sweetnschtuff]

on 12/15/2007 my daughter is 371/2 weeks and has been having contractions for.... well we are on day 8. We have been to the hospital twice and had one dr appointment during this time and she is dialated only at 1 cm and her cervix is 75%effaced. She doesnt sleep except for 20-25 mins at a time (and the same for me and soon to be dad). Her contractions have been getting more stronger, lasting longer and are coming in between 5- 10 min. But some contractions have lasted 10 -15 min long!? Im at witts end as is she, I dont know what I can do to comfort her anymore or what she can do to subside her pain?? We arent even sure anymore when to go to the hospital and feel kind of dumb if we call the dr office again?

on 11/22/2005 If you are really in labor, the contractions will radiate into your legs.

When in doubt, err on the side of caution. Nobody is going to laugh if you go to the doctor or hospital to get checked and turn out to be wrong.