There are physical signs/symptoms that will help you figure out if you are in labor.
Some mean that you're in prelabor.
Others tell you that your cervix is actually dilating and you're in labor.
Possible Signs of labor: These signs may occur in pre-labor or during the days before labor begins.
Or you may not notice them until you're already having labor contractions.
Since they are possible signs, you may have some or all of them: - Vaginal mucus with a little blood.
- Lower backache that may come and go.
- Cramps (like menstrual cramps) in your lower belly.
- Several soft bowel movements or diarrhea- like BMS.
- Sudden burst of energy focused on getting ready for the baby (called the nesting urge).
Positive Signs of labor- Here are clearest signs that labor has started: - Contractions that get longer, stronger, and get closer together as time goes on.
- Leaking or a gush of water from your vagina caused by the bag of water breaking.
When to Call Your Caregiver During the last month of pregnancy, there is the need to ask your caregiver when to call.
You may be told to call the hospital birthing unit (especially at night).
Or you may be told to call your doctor directly.
Some general guidelines on when to call - Call when your bag of waters breaks.
- Call when the contractions are intense (lasting a full minute or coming about every 5 minutes).
- If your caregiver told you to call early because of a medical problem.
- Call if you're anxious or have questions, even if you are not sure you're in labor.