How to Recognize Signs of Labor
There are questions most pregnant women ask themselves as they reach the end of their pregnancy: How will I know I am in labor? How will I know when to call the doctor? No one wants to wait too long to call their doctor and risk not making it to the hospital in time. Nor do they want to arrive at the hospital only to be told it's too soon, and that they must go home. Fortunately, there are some signs that labor and delivery are imminent.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Check the calendar. The beginning of labor does not necessarily correlate directly with your due date. Labor is unpredictable and often happens a little before or after the date the doctor first gave you when you received a positive pregnancy test.
-
2
Check your scale. It is common to lose a pound or two in the days before childbirth.
-
-
3
Analyze your contractions. Until now, you may have experienced false labor, or Braxton Hicks contractions. These contractions are usually irregular in frequency and duration, and are more uncomfortable than painful. True contractions occur at regular intervals, and last approximately 40 to 70 seconds. The intensity and frequency of these contractions persist despite changes in your position.
-
4
Use the bathroom. While a small amount of blood on your underpants could be the result of an internal exam or intercourse, it could also signify the beginning of dilation of the cervix, meaning the body is preparing for childbirth.
-
5
Call your health care professional. Your doctor or midwife can tell you if your cervix is beginning to dilate and labor has begun.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
For first-time moms, most doctors recommend going to the hospital when contractions are four to seven minutes apart. For experienced moms, the recommendation is to go to the hospital when contractions are 10 to 15 minutes apart.
