Signs that indicate that labor is not far off
- Dropping/Lightening- The baby drops and settles into your pelvis and you may feel increased pressure on your bladder. Ah! that means frequent trips to the bathroom.
- Leveling off of weight gain
- Frequent bowel movements
- Increased vaginal discharge
- Cervical effacement and dilatation- During the last month, cervix begins to stretch n thin. Your provider will keep you informed.
- Braxton Hicks contractions- More frequent and stronger. But again girls thats not true labor.
- A bloody show- A slightly brown, pink or blood tinged mucous is released because of the expanding cervix. It can appear minutes, hours or even days before labor begins. Not all women notice this sign.
- Rupture of membranes- Generally water bag breaks after the labor has already started. But water bag can break before the labor. Call your provider immediately. Do not confuse it with urine. It is odorless and may appear as a trickle or a gush coming out from your vagina.
Sure Sign for true Labor
Consistent Contractions- Regular uterine contractions which may feel like menstrual cramps or a lower backache that comes and goes, initially may be as far apart as 20 to 30 minutes. Take a paper and a pen and write down the exact time each contraction begins and how long it lasts. After several hours the contractions will occur after every 10-15 minutes. Call your provider when your contractions are consistently 5 minutes apart.
Characteristics of true labor
Very often people confuse false labor with true contractions and make a visit to the hospital and are back disappointed. Whenever you have a contractions do not panic. Relax. Here are a few differences between labor contractions and Braxton Hicks contractions/false labor.
Labor contractions are regular and follow a predictable pattern
They become progressively closer
They become progressively stronger
They last progressively longer
Each contraction is felt first in the lower back and then radiates around to the front or visa versa
A change in activity or position will not slow down or stop contractions
There may be bloody show
Membranes may rupture
Your doctor will notice effacement or dilation
and here are the signs of false labor
Contractions are irregular and unpredictable
No progression is seen over time
Contractions are felt as a generalized abdominal tightening
A change in activity or position will slow down or stop contractions
There is usually no bloody show
Membranes will not rupture
