How to recognize signs of labor

If this is your first pregnancy or your fifth, determining true labor can be quite tricky. Prior to going into true labor many women experience what is referred to as “false labor”. False labor as much as I hate to say it is very close to real labor the only difference is that with false labor the contractions do not become regular and do not cause your cervix to dilate.

The beginning of early labor can start days or weeks prior to the delivery of your baby. You may first experience false labor also known as Braxton Hicks, which will cause you a bit of discomfort. However, if you can get up and walk around or move and ease the pain of the contraction, then you are experiencing false labor, which is your body, preparing for pregnancy labor.

Signs of labor

•  The abdomen will drop – this is the baby moving into position to be born

•  You will feel the urgency to clean called nesting

•  You will lose the mucous plug. This is mucous that can be lightly pink and means that your cervix is dilating.

•  In some cases, the water breaks. If this occurs, visit the hospital immediately.

•  Regular contractions that becomes closer and stronger

•  Pain in the lower back

In some cases, your physician may recommend inducing labor.

Inducing labor is often recommended because:

•  You have not gone into labor one or two weeks past your due date

•  Your water has broken, but you are not having contractions

•  You have an infection in your uterus

•  Your baby has stopped growing

•  You do not have enough amniotic fluid

•  Your placenta is beginning to deteriorate

•  You have a medical condition that may put your baby or yourself at risk

•  You live far from the hospital

•  A history of quick deliveries

Once labor begins, you will need to head to the hospital where your baby will be born. Once you arrive to the hospital, you will begin by being admitted and then follow these steps in most cases.

•  Taken to the birthing room or examination room

•  A nurse will take down your vital signs and note your symptoms

•  Sign consent forms

•  Given a pelvic exam to see how your cervix has dilated and effaced

•  A variety of monitors will be attached to you to keep track of you and your baby

•  In some cases, you may receive an IV

•  You may also be given an epidural for pain

•  You will be closely watched until your cervix has dilated to a 10, then it will be time to push.

•  Your doctor will aid in the delivery your baby.