Early Labor Signs

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

• Labor is the steps your uterus (womb) goes through to deliver (push out) your baby. Contractions (kon-TRAK-shuns) by your uterus cause the cervix to efface (thin) and dilate (open). The cervix is the bottom part of your uterus. A contraction is when your uterus tightens and relaxes. When the cervix is completely effaced and dilated, your baby moves down the birth canal and is born. The last part of labor is when the placenta (afterbirth) is delivered. This usually happens within 30 minutes after your baby is born.
  
  
• Labor usually does not start until you get close to your due date, but may begin earlier in a pregnancy. No one knows for sure what makes labor start. Caregivers may try to stop your labor with medicine if your baby is not ready to be born. Sometimes it is hard to know when your labor has started. You may have bloody show, Braxton Hicks pains, and lightening. These signs mean that you will be having the baby soon, but it may not happen right away. If your membranes rupture (water breaks), you will have your baby very soon, and you should see your caregiver.

AFTER YOU LEAVE:

Medicines:

• Keep a written list of the medicines you take, the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list of your medicines or the pill bottles when you see your caregivers. Learn why you take each medicine. Ask your caregiver for information about your medicine. Do not use any medicines, over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, herbs, or food supplements without first talking to caregivers.
  
  
• Always take your medicine as directed by caregivers. Call your caregiver if you think your medicines are not helping or if you feel you are having side effects. Do not quit taking your medicines until you discuss it with your caregiver. If you are taking medicine that makes you drowsy, do not drive or use heavy equipment.

What are signs that my labor may be getting close? You may or may not notice signs of labor before your labor starts. You may have any of the following signs or symptoms that tell you that your baby will be born soon:

• Bloody show: You may have a thick mucus plug come from your vagina. This is also called "show" or "mucus plug". This mucus plug formed in your cervix during pregnancy to prevent bacteria (germs) from entering your uterus. As your cervix gets softer and starts to open, this mucus plug will come out. The mucus plug looks like clear, pink, or slightly bloody mucus coming from your vagina. You may have bloody show minutes, hours, or up to three days before labor begins.
  
  
• Braxton Hicks labor pains:
  
  
  • These are also called false labor pains or contractions. Braxton Hicks contractions come and go, and do not get close together. These are not true labor contractions. Braxton Hicks contractions go away when you walk, rest, sleep, or drink at least 32 ounces (four 8 ounce cups) of water. Braxton Hicks labor pains usually do not mean that labor is near. These false labor pains are usually felt in your belly, but not in your back.
    
    
  • In real labor, the contractions come at regular times. This means that there is an even amount of time between contractions. For example, you may have a contraction every 10 minutes, even if you are walking or resting. As time passes, the contractions get closer and closer together. Real labor contractions do not go away when you walk, lie down, or drink water.
  
  
• Lightening: You may have a feeling that your baby has dropped lower into your pelvis. This feeling may also be called the "baby dropping". Lightening means that your baby's head has settled deep into your pelvis. You may have this feeling a few weeks to a few hours before labor begins. After lightening, you may find it easier to breathe. You may need to urinate more often after lightening.
  
  
• Rupture of membranes: This is when your "water breaks". The amniotic (am-nee-OT-ik) sac or bag of waters is the water-like sac around your baby to protect him during pregnancy. You may feel a slow trickle of fluid from your vagina. Warm fluid may also flow out suddenly when it leaks or breaks. This may happen several hours before labor starts, or any time during labor.

CONTACT A CAREGIVER IF:

• You have a fever (increased body temperature).
  
  
• Your labor pains (contractions) are hard, regular, and going from your stomach area to your back.
  
  
• You do not feel your baby is moving as much as usual.
  
  
• You have concerns or questions about your pregnancy.

SEEK CARE IMMEDIATELY IF:

• Your amniotic sac (bag of water) breaks even if you are not having contractions or labor pains. Tell your caregiver what color the fluid is when your bag of water breaks. Do not douche, take a bath, or have sexual intercourse (sex).
  
  
• You are bleeding from your vagina. You do not need to call if you have passed the mucus plug.
  
  
• You have severe, constant abdominal (belly) pain rather than regular labor contractions.

Copyright © 2008 Thomson Healthcare Inc. All rights reserved. Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.

The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

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