Early Labor Signs

Recognizing early labor signs will help you know when it's time to get to the hospital. Remember that your due date is only an estimate. Through cues, some subtle, like changes in the cervix, and some very forthright, like labor pains, your body will let you know that the wait for your beautiful baby is over. Labor can begin at any time during your pregnancy, so these signs should never be ignored or dismissed as false labor. If at any time you suspect that you are going into early labor or are concerned about your pregnancy, be sure to contact your doctor.

Braxton-Hicks Contractions
Braxton Hicks contractions are often referred to as practice contractions, and they occur throughout pregnancy. As your due date approaches, so does the frequency of the Braxton-Hicks contractions. It can be easy to dismiss real contractions as another Braxton-Hicks contraction.

If you experience many Braxton-Hicks contractions, do this simple test. First, empty your bladder, then drink a glass of water and lie down. If the contractions are Braxton Hicks, they will subside within 10 minutes. If after 10 minutes you still have contractions, there is a good chance you are going into real labor.

Dropping
As your due date approaches, the baby will descend into the lower pelvis in preparation for delivery. You'll know this has occurred when you begin to feel increased pressure in your pelvis. If you are carrying the baby lower to begin with, which varies in each mother and pregnancy, you may not be able to tell just from pressure alone when the baby drops.

There are other ways to tell if the baby has dropped. Extra pressure in your pelvis increases your need to urinate, and it often causes difficulty with bowel movements. You may also experience more swelling in your legs, or you may notice that you can breathe a little easier because the baby is no longer crowding your diaphragm.

Changes in the Cervix
This is not something you will be able to determine by yourself. Only your doctor can see the changes during your regular exams. Dilation prior to pregnancy varies from woman to woman; some dilate gradually, while others remain undilated right up until the day of delivery.

Even if you are beginning to dilate, it could be several days before labor begins.

Vaginal Discharge
This can be the most frightening sign. As a woman's body begins preparations for labor, the cervix dilates, causingthe mucous plug to discharge. The mucous plug acts as a seal on the cervix during the pregnancy. Once the seal breaks, you may see some blood-tinged discharge. This is normal and indicates the birth is imminent.

If you suspect you have lost your mucous plug prior to your 37^th week, or if the discharge includes bright-red blood, call your doctor immediately.

Rupture of Membranes
Movies often show a scene where the woman's water breaks and then she immediately goes into hard labor. In reality, that rarely happens. Once the amniotic sac ruptures, it can still be hours or even days before labor begins.

If you membranes do rupture, you may experience anything from a gush of fluid to a slow trickle. Either way, the fluids should be clear with only a slight tinge of blood. If you see anything different, contact your doctor immediately.

Labor Contractions
Real labor contractions are felt as a tightening in the uterus and are often accompanied by pain in the lower back. Labor contractions can be so sharp and sudden that you cannot speak through them, and they do not go away be changing position or moving around.

Once you feel a labor pain, use a watch to time the contraction. If it lasts for one minute and occurs at five-minute intervals for at least an hour, you are most likely in labor and you need to call your hospital or doctor. If you feel labor contractions before 37 weeks, contact your doctor immediately.