The start of labor is unpredictable. Your "due date" is only a guideline. Some care providers talk about a "due week" or even a "due month" rather than a specific day.
Labor may occur as much as two weeks before or after your due date. This is normal. Your body has ways of telling you that it is preparing for labor. You may experience these symptoms before labor starts.
Lightening
Two to three weeks before birth, your baby's presenting part (usually the head) moves down into your pelvis. This is called "lightening". It happens more often with first pregnancies, but it may not happen until labor is in progress.
Show
A thick mucus plug has developed at your cervix. As your cervix softens and opens, you may notice a vaginal discharge (clear, pink or slightly bloody). This does not necessarily mean that active labor is near.
Rupture of Membranes
The fluid-filled sac around your baby may break anytime before or during labor. You may or may not have contractions at this time; however, it is very important that you be checked immediately by your care provider or a Family Maternity Center nurse.
Contractions
Contractions occur as the muscles of your uterus tighten and then relax, opening the cervix and helping with the birth process.
| Type of Change |
False Labor |
Labor |
| Timing of contractions |
Contractions are irregular; do not become closer together (Braxton-Hicks); do not become a pattern over time. |
Contractions come at regular intervals; may get closer together over time; usually last 30 to 70 seconds. |
| Change caused by motion |
Contractions may stop when you walk, rest or change position. |
Contractions continue even if you walk, rest or change position. |
| Location of contractions |
Contractions are often felt in the abdomen. |
Contractions are usually felt in the back, coming around the front. |
| Strength of contractions |
Contractions are usually mild; do not become much stronger. |
Contractions increase in strength, develop a pattern over time. |
If you have a constant, severe pain with no relief between contractions, call your care provider or Family Maternity Center immediately.
Call Your Care Provider or Family Maternity Center when...
Your care provider or Family Maternity Center can help you decide if you should come to the hospital. You may call anytime you have questions or concerns about your pregnancy.
Remember, if you have a device on your telephone to block incoming calls, disable it before paging your care provider. Otherwise, he or she cannot return your call.
Common guidelines include:
- Uterine contractions: Contractions may become increasingly stronger. If this is your first baby, call when contractions come every five minutes for one to two hours. If this is not your first baby, call when contractions reach six to seven minutes apart for one hour.
- Heavy bright red bleeding or bleeding with clots: Spotting can occur after a vaginal exam or after intercourse. If the bleeding increases, is heavy or includes clots, you need to be seen immediately.
- Fluid leaking from your vagina: Please note the color and odor of the fluid and wear a pad. If you think your bag of water has broken, call immediately.
- Decrease in fetal activity: Eat, lie down and concentrate on the baby. If you feel fewer than 10 movements in two hours, call immediately.
- Unusual physical changes: Severe or persistent pain or headache; unusual or excessive swelling of hands or feet; vision changes; or sudden weight gain (more than one pound a day for several days).
- According to any special instructions given to you by your care provider.
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