It can be hard to tell when real labor has started. Early contractions may feel like the Braxton Hicks contractions you may have been experiencing throughout the third trimester. Labor can start off slow and take hours to become very intense, or it can start fast. Each woman is different and will experience labor in her own way. There are some signs that labor may be starting or may start in a few days.
Braxton Hicks contractions are also called false labor contractions. They feel like a mild tightening of the uterus, but don’t cause the cervix to dilate. You may experience them throughout the later part of your pregnancy. Some women notice these contractions becoming more frequent and more intense in the days or weeks before labor actually starts. Braxton Hicks contractions have been known to send women to the hospital, thinking they are in labor only to be sent back home again. Don’t feel embarrassed if this happens to you. It is very common, especially in the first pregnancy.
Experts are beginning to believe Braxton Hicks contractions may serve a purpose. They can help soften and thin out the cervix, prior to the start of labor. You may be examined close to your due date and be told your cervix is thinning. Don’t assume labor will start that day. It could still be a week or two away. On the other hand, it could start later that night.
You may lose your mucus plug in the days before labor begins. Some women lose it early and others don’t lose it until labor begins. The mucus plug seals the opening of the cervix throughout the pregnancy and as you begin to dilate, it comes out. It can come out in one large glob, or in small bits. Sometimes a small amount of blood is mixed in the mucus. This is called bloody show and is also a sign of impending labor. If the blood is significant, notify your doctor.
Back pain can be a sign that you are going into labor. Some women experience back labor. The pain will be intense and come and go in regular intervals if you are in labor. The pain generally starts in the back and radiates to the front. Many women don’t realize this pain is the start of labor since back pain is fairly common in later pregnancy.
A more telling sign that labor has started is your water breaking. In some women, the water breaks before contractions begin or shortly after they start. For other women, it won’t break until closer to delivery. My water has never broken in three pregnancies, until the doctor broke it for me in each case. When your water breaks, it may come out in one big gush, or it could be less dramatic and just trickle out.
It can be difficult to tell at first if labor has started. Often it starts off slowly and you aren’t sure if the contractions are real. One way to tell is to drink a few glasses of water and lie down. This will usually stop Braxton Hicks contractions, but won’t stop the real ones. True labor contractions will get stronger and closer together. This can take several hours or happen very fast.
Toward the end of your pregnancy, your doctor or midwife will give you guidelines for when to call. A general rule of thumb for a healthy, low risk mom is to call when contractions have been five minutes apart for an hour. Some factors may make the doctor want to see you sooner. If you have a history of fast labors, are considered high risk, live far from the hospital or have other health issues, he may want to see you sooner. Ask the doctor about your situation.
If you aren’t sure, don’t be afraid to call. If you are experiencing symptoms during office hours, you may be able to go in and get checked. An exam will reveal if you are in labor or not. Don’t be embarrassed to call. It’s better to be safe for your baby and your peace of mind.