After nine long months, most pregnant women want to know when they will go into labor. We’ve waited so patiently this whole time, and we just want that moment to finally come. Unfortunately, the truth is, there isn’t really an accurate prediction when a woman will go into labor so you can never tell when it will happen. However, experts have identified some signs of labor. The top 5 signs are as follows:
5 Signs You’re in Labor:
1. Your baby drops.
Usually, first time moms may feel a sort of lightening several weeks before they begin to labor. Pregnant women will also feel a huge weight or pressure in their pelvis and a lesser pressure below their rib cage which makes it easier for them to catch their breath. This is a great thing because I’m sure you’ve experienced some kicking or discomfort in your ribs from time to time!
2. Your cervix begins to ripen.
Weeks before giving birth, pregnant women may go through a softening, thinning, and even an opening of their cervix due to Braxton Hicks contractions. For those who have already experienced giving birth before, their cervix will likely dilate a centimeter or two before they begin to labor. However, even if a woman is 40 weeks pregnant with her first baby and is 1 centimeter dilated, this does not mean that labor is about to happen.
3. Frequency of Braxyon Hicks contractions.
Frequent and intense Braxton Hicks contractions may be a pre-labor signal, during which your cervix ripens. Some women may feel cramps during this time which is quite similar to menstrual cramps. There are also instances when Braxton Hicks contractions become more painful especially when true labor begins. They may strike every 10-20 minutes. However, if the contractions don’t get any stronger or longer and if it causes your cervix to dilate, then false labor occurs.
4. You pass your mucus plug.
Another sign of labor is passing your mucus plug or noticing a “bloody show.” This is a small amount of thickened mucus that sealed your cervical canal for the last nine months. The plug may be a lump, increased vaginal discharge, or it may be tinged with brown, pink, or red blood (bloody show).
5. Your water breaks.
This is the most common labor sign, and truly the most real and exciting! When the fluid-filled amniotic sac around your baby ruptures, fluid will come out of your vagina in a large gush or a small trickle. Most women also feel contractions before their bag of water breaks, but in some cases, this does not happen.
It can be so hard to know when you’re actually in labor, especially if it’s your first pregnancy! Some people have contractions 2-3 minutes a part consistently but aren’t even dialating that much. It can be very frustrating, and you may even experience a false alarm and be sent home from the hospital.
If you do have a false alarm at the hospital, don’t be embarressed or worried, it happens all the time! All that matters is that you’re being monitored, and that when your time comes you’re ready to go to the hospital for the real thing!
TIP: If this is your first pregnancy, I highly recommend the book – The Happiest Baby on the Block. This will teach you so much about babies, will show you how to comfort them, and even get them to stop crying during their fussiest moments. It’s a must read for every new parent! It has hundreds of ratings and is one of the best-selling baby books on the market!
