Signs Of Labor
You are reading page 2 of our Signs of Labor article, for page 1, see Early Signs of Labor
Once you begin to experience these signs of labor, it is time for you to call your doctor or midwife, and make your way to your chosen place for the birth. If you experience any of these symptoms before you reach the 36 week (9 month) mark, you need to contact your doctor immediately.
It is a great idea for you, or your partner to keep note of the consistency and duration of your contractions so that you can inform your doctor or midwife of how you labor has progressed so far.
Sign of Labor #1: Regular Contractions
Contractions, which are described differently by many women, occur when the muscles of the uterus contract (or tighten) or relax. The sensation of contractions is often likened to intense period pain. As your labor progresses, your contractions will occur in a steady pattern of tightening and releasing, and begin to lengthen in time and intensity.
Pre-Labor Contractions or Braxton-Hicks Contractions often occur during the last month of pregnancy and are often mistaken for the real thing. There are several differences between real labor contractions and pre-labor contractions. Pre-labor contractions can be differentiated from labor contractions by:
-their irregular occurrence
-they don’t get closer together
-they may cease after about an hour
-you don’t’ feel these contractions in your back
-they stop when you walk around
-they don’t get more painful over time
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Labour contractions are characterised by:
-they occur at regular intervals
-last 30-60 seconds
-occur more closely together over time
-they become more painful over time
-they can be felt in the lower back and abdomen
-they continue or get worse with walking
Labor contractions occur to help ensure that the baby is correctly presented for delivery and they also help the cervix to soften, thin and dilate for birth.
Sign of Labor #2: Cervical Dilation
Your cervix will steadily dilate throughout labor until it is fully dilated (or effaced), at which time you are ready to give birth to your baby. It is pretty difficult to see this for yourself, but it is definitely a sign of labor that your midwife or doctor will be checking throughout your labor.
Sign of Labor #3: Rupture of Amniotic Sac or Water Breaking
Most commonly known as your “waters breaking”, this rupture of the amniotic sac surrounding your baby in the womb is a further sign of labor. The amniotic sac can break at any time just before or during your labor contractions. When the ‘waters’ break the fluid can either trickle or gush from the vagina, so this is an immediately recognisable sign of labor. Once the amniotic sac ruptures it is likely that you will give birth within 24 hours. (Once again keep your medical carer informed of such events as your water breaking, even if your contractions haven’t started, so they can monitor the health of both you and baby).
Amniotic fluid should be colourless and odourless when it appears, and usually continues to leak from the vagina until after the baby is delivered.
Being aware of your signs of labor, and knowing the differences between false and true labor symptoms means that you can be better prepared for the birth process. Keeping note of how your labor progresses, such as details about contractions (length, distance apart, intensity) and the time that your waters break, will be extremely useful information to pass on to your doctor or mid wife once they become actively involved in the delivery.
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