There are several signs that indicate a woman is about to begin labor. As well, there are key signs that indicate that a woman is in labor.Whereas only a midwife or doctor can really examine and tell if a woman’s cervix is ripening (effacement) or dilating through a vaginal exam, other visual and measurable factors can indicate to a woman and her partner that labor is beginning or near.
1 The Drop: a visual sign that labor is approaching
As labor approaches, mother, partner,friends and families may notice that the baby will appear to be sitting lower in the belly as it begins to descend to the pelvic region. This is a visual indication that delivery day is around the corner.
2 Nesting: an observed sign that labor is approaching
It is a woman’s natural instinct to get a boost of go-getter organizational energy before the birth of baby. Though many mothers do get the nesting bug several months into their pregnancy, there is a definite spike of a nesting sensation before labor begins. It is believed that this primal instinct evolved to signal to mothers that it was time to begin creating a safe welcoming environment for the new baby. If you have the urge to vacuum the house, make the bed, get your nails painted, remember to conserve your energy for labor and do the small fun things.
3 Bloody Show: a visual sign that labor is beginning
During pregnancy, the cervix is protected by a mucus plug which inhibits bacteria from entering the uterus. As your cervix begins to efface, this plug breaks away and releases as a “bloody show”. It is looks brownish and is often traced with blood. If this show shows up in your undergarments around your due date window, then it’s a sign that the big curtain call is most likely about to begin.
4 Contractions: A sensational sign that labor is beginning
Another widely recognized sign of labor are contractions. If you start contracting, it is important to time and measure the pattern of these contractions for this helps to indicate the difference between false labor, early labor and active labor. As soon as your contractions begin and you have established that they are coming in a pattern, call your midwife/doctor and then your labor support team, i.e. your partner and/or labor doula). Though your contractions maybe 10 or 9minutes apart at this time, you are giving your delivery and support team a yellow flag to get ready soon. If your contractions are longer apart, not strong and don’t really have an established pattern, you are most likely experiencing Braxton Hicks Contractions / False Labor. Strong, close, together and a pattern is the main key to identifying the efficient contractions.
For those of you who are having a hospital birth, it can be beneficial to labor at home as much as possible, but once your contractions are a steady, strong and anywhere between 3 and 5 minutes apart lasting from 30 to 90seconds, it is best to make your way to the hospital.
5 Ruptured Membranes (Water Breaking): a sensational and visual sign that labor has begun
A lot of women do not have that big burst of water that you often see on screen. When the membranes rupture (the amniotic sac fluid), depending on the point of rupture, it can either trickle out or it can be a gush out. As soon has this happens or you believe it may be happening, please contact your labor and support team. It is important for the medical team to time progress of labor from this point. Because the membranes are ruptured, there is a higher chance that infections can occur. Activities such as baths with products or sexual activities should be prohibited during these times.
Keep in mind that these signs often lead into one another. At the same time, remember that every women’s labor experience is different so if you feel that you are in labor and you have not had ruptured membranes or have been cramping throughout pregnancy and are unsure whether you are experiencing cramping or Braxton Hicks, know that your labor and support team is there to help you through the process and help you through your labor experience. Do not hestitate to utilize your team.
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