How to Tell if it's Labor

There's a reason "am I in labor" is one of the top pregnancy related searches on Google. You are not alone if you're worried that you won't recognize the signs of labor, even if this isn't your first baby. Early labor has so many variations! Here are some of the ways you'll know that you're in early labor: 

Contractions

 Contractions are probably the most widely known and significant sign of labor. You may begin noticing mild and inconsistent contractions that then become more intense, longer, closer together and more regular. You may even be one of those people who experience intense contractions right from the start. 

Sometimes parents to experience prodromal labor. Prodromal labor is when contractions do not progress into stronger, more frequent, productive contractions. Prodromal labor can be exhausting and frustrating. If you experience prodromal labor, remember that your body is still doing the work it needs to do to birth your baby.

Vaginal Discharge

A mucous like discharge from your vagina can indicate that labor is imminent, especially if it is streaked with blood. This is commonly called "losing your mucous plug" or "bloody show." The tricky thing about losing your mucous plug is that it can mean your baby is coming soon or you could have several more weeks to go. Regardless of how much longer you have to go, losing your mucous plug or bloody show is a good indicator that your cervix is ripening and preparing to give birth.

If you have a sudden trickle or gush of fluid your membranes may have ruptured. This is a definite sign that your baby will be born soon. You should talk to your doctor about what their protocol is for when your water breaks. Labour begins with the membranes rupturing in less than 15% of labors. 

Loose Stools

 The hormones that help prepare your body for birth can also cause you to have loose stools or mild diarrhea. It is thought by some experts that this is your body’s way of making room for your baby to be born.

Flu-like Symptoms

You may experience flulike symptoms leading up to you baby's birth including diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting, without a fever. Be sure to see your doctor if you develop a fever, or the symptoms persist!

Raw Emotions

You may feel a little more emotional leading up to your baby's birth. It isn't uncommon to feel a heightened sense of emotions. Your hormones are busy and can have an impact on your emotional well-being.

Intuition

Birth can be very instinctual, and you may just have a gut feeling that your baby is coming. Be sure to rest up and nourish your body with healthy foods, so you're ready to go on the big day!

If you’re wondering about whether or not you are in labor, calling your doula is always a good option. Night or day, your doula is happy to help you talk through what you are experiencing so that you can decide whether or not it’s time to go to the hospital, call your doctor, or just catch up on rest.

Given birth before? How did you know you were in labor?