Labor how do i know

Just as the muscles in your uterus are relaxing in preparation for birth, so too are other muscles in your body — including those in the rectum. Though annoying, it's completely normal. Pregnancy weight gain often levels off at the very end. Some moms-to-be even lose a couple of pounds. Wait a minute, is this the third trimester or the first? So pile up those pillows and take naps when you can, if at all possible.

Try not to stress about it. If you think you're going into labor, your doctor has likely advised you on what to do when your due date is near and you think you're experiencing regular contractions e. If you think you might be in labor but aren't sure, get on the phone. The vast majority of pregnancies — about 90 percent — make it to week 37 of pregnancy. Preterm labor is when labor occurs before week Every labor, like every pregnancy, is different.

Will you know labor when you feel it? Will those contractions tell you what you need to know? Chances are, yes. Still get it checked out. Not in labor just yet There are a few natural tricks that may help induce labor that you can try at home yourself, including walking, sex, spicy food and acupuncture.

That said, there's not a lot of research to back any of these methods up, and you should always talk to your doctor first before trying anything intended to expedite baby's birthday. What to Expect follows strict reporting guidelines and uses only credible sources, such as peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions and highly respected health organizations.

Learn how we keep our content accurate and up-to-date by reading our medical review and editorial policy. The educational health content on What To Expect is reviewed by our medical review board and team of experts to be up-to-date and in line with the latest evidence-based medical information and accepted health guidelines, including the medically reviewed What to Expect books by Heidi Murkoff.

This educational content is not medical or diagnostic advice. Use of this site is subject to our terms of use and privacy policy. When this sac breaks, the fluid comes out the vagina. Some women feel just a trickle. Others feel a large gush of fluid. It can be hard to tell if your water has broken. Many pregnant women leak urine, and it can be mistaken for water breaking.

Call your doctor if you think your water has broken. There is an easy test he or she can do to know if the fluid is amniotic fluid. Your risk of infection goes up after your water has broken.

Changes in vaginal discharge. For some women, they see it when labor first starts. Anything more than blood-tinged mucus could be a sign of a problem. Call your doctor right away if your discharge contains large amounts of blood. Here are some ways you can tell the difference between true labor and false labor. Timing of the contractions True labor: They come at regular intervals every 20 minutes to every 5 minutes.

They get closer together as time goes on. They can last anywhere from 30 seconds to 1 minute. Strength of contractions True labor: They steadily increase in strength over time.

Pain of contractions True labor: Pain usually starts in the lower back and works its way around to the belly. False labor: Pain or discomfort is usually felt only in the abdomen. Contractions change with movement True labor: They come and go no matter what position you are in or what you are doing.

False labor: Contractions might stop when you change positions. What are the chances that my water will break before I go into labor? You might notice a thick, pinkish or blood-streaked discharge called a bloody show.

This is the mucus plug that sealed your cervix during pregnancy. It often appears several days before labor begins, although it's not always noticeable. Although every pregnancy is different, and there is no definite set of events, you may experience some early signs of labor. Some of these can be very subtle, and you may not even notice them. Contractions are the most common first sign of labor.

Just before you go into labor, your cervix, the lower part of your uterus, will soften, thin out, and shorten. You may feel a little discomfort, maybe even a few light, irregular contractions. Your cervix will also start to dilate open , which can happen slowly at first but will progress more quickly as you approach active labor.

You may get a few, more regular contractions coming every 5 to 15 minutes, lasting 60 to 90 seconds. Do your best to keep calm and to monitor the length, frequency, and regularity of your contractions. Early labor, which is the first part of what's called Stage 1 labor, can be an unpredictable in terms of duration.

It may be hours or even days before you progress to active labor, the second part of Stage 1 labor, especially if this is your first baby. This time will usually get shorter with subsequent deliveries. Until your contractions get more regular and become more intense, or your water breaks, just stay relaxed. However, call your doctor or midwife if you notice bright red bleeding not pale pink or dark brown , if your water breaks especially if the fluid is green or brown or has a foul odor , if your baby is less active, or you have a headache, vision problems, or sudden swelling.

Also call your doctor if you think you are in preterm labor, which is when you go into labor before the baby is ready to be born. If you experience only a few signs of labor approaching, you may not need to go to the hospital just yet.

Your doctor or midwife will give you guidance based on your labor signs and your individual situation. Realizing you're in labor can bring feelings ranging from excitement to disbelief or apprehension. Try to stay calm and focused. Arrange to have your partner or friend with you to help record labor symptoms, keep you company, and get you to the hospital when the time comes.