There is a lot of information out there related to what is true labor vs. false labor. How will you know what to expect when you have never experienced it before? Maybe you have but this time the labor signs are completely different. Things can speed up really fast when it comes to labor so it is important to pay attention to the signs.
With my 3rd birth I almost had the baby on the side of the freeway because it progressed so fast.
There are some things that I definitely wish I’d known fully before going into labor. Teaching childbirth education made me more aware that this are is something that most women want to know about.
I want you to be as prepared as possible for your big event. So here are the top 5 signs that you are on your way to labor.
1. Regular Contractions
Different doctors/midwives will tell you different time for what they consider “regular.” This is where you can use an app to keep track of your contractions. If you do not have a smart phone to use an app then have someone that is helping you during your labor write it out. If you are in the beginning stages of your contractions you can even do this yourself. Once you start progressing it might be hard to do while you are trying to concentrate on your body. It could be very simple to write down. You will need some sort of timer for this such as a watch or a clock with the hand showing seconds.
Write down:
• Time of contraction
• How long it lasts
General rule of thumb is contractions that are a minute long, coming every five minutes signals active labor.
2. Water Breaking
Most of the time your water breaking signals that active labor will begin soon. Not always. Some women do not have regular contractions when their water breaks. Sometimes the contractions start way before the water breaks. My water did not break with my 1st son and with my 3rd it broke in the car on our way to the hospital, in which case I knew things were progressing really fast. But that was by body and every birth is different. I suggest you talk with your OB/Midwife about what you should do in case your water breaks and you do not feel contractions. Some midwives will suggest interventions that are safe as long as there is no sign of infection. It really depends on your care provider.
3. Contractions are stronger when walking
In comparison to very early labor, when you start to move or walk around and your
contractions increase or become more regular, that is a sign that you are in true labor. If you are not going into full blown active labor then the contractions will disappear or become irregular again.
4. Cervix opens up
What does this mean? How would you know what that feels like? Well when your cervix begins to open up you will feel it start to expand like a rubber band inside. The cervical fluid may begin to look different, but overall it is the feeling that you have of a true opening while your baby starts their descend down. If you are a first time mom this might not be a good clue for you, but some women really do feel it expanding. So again it all depends on your body. You also might not feel the cervix opening up and have regular contractions. So its important to know all the signs.
5. Contractions are felt more in the back and moving forward
When you feel your contractions, keep in mind where they are in your body.
– Do they feel like they are in your belly?
– Do they feel like they are in your back?
There is a difference based on how the baby moves down. Once the baby’s head starts moving into the birth canal, then your back will be where the contractions will feel the most intense. Keep your awareness on where the pain is.
So here you see there is a variety of way that you can notice that you are progressing in labor. I listed five because you might experience all of these or only one of these, so it is nice to have all the info. Here is the Stages of Labor printout that you should find helpful.
If you have any questions I am here for you!
Much Love,
Krystina RN, BSN, CBE
