This pamphlet will explain

how to plan for your baby’s birth signs that labor is beginning how to tell false labor and true labor apart

Although it is not possible to know exactly when labor will begin, you can be ready by knowing what to expect.

Making Plans

As you plan for the birth of your baby, you can take steps to help your labor go more smoothly. It is best to discuss your questions about labor with your health care team before the time comes:

• When should I call my doctor?
• How can I reach the doctor or nurse after office hours?
• Should I go directly to the hospital or call the office first?
• Are there any special steps I should follow when I think I am in labor?

• Distance—how far do you live from the hospital?
• Transportation—is there someone who can take you at any time, or do you have to call and find someone?
• Time of day—depending on where you live, may it take longer during rush hours than at other times of the day or night?
• Home arrangements—do you have other children to take to a babysitter’s home, or do you have to make any other special arrangements?
• Work arrangements—do you have a plan for how your workload will be covered and for letting your coworkers know when you have had the baby?

How Labor Begins

No one knows exactly what causes labor to start, although changes in hormones may play a role. Most women can tell when they are in labor. Sometimes, it is hard to tell when labor begins.

As labor begins, the cervix opens (dilates). The uterus, which is a muscle, contracts at regular intervals. When it contracts, the abdomen becomes hard. Between the contractions, the uterus relaxes and becomes soft. Even up to the start of labor and during early labor, the baby will continue to move.

Certain changes may also signal that labor is beginning (Table 1). You may or may not notice some of them before labor begins.

True Versus False Labor

You may have periods of “false” labor, or irregular contractions of your uterus, before “true” labor begins. These are called Braxton Hicks contractions. They are normal but can be painful at times. You might notice them more at the end of the day.

Table 1. Signs That You Are Approaching Labor
Sign	What It Is	When It Happens
Feeling as if the baby has dropped lower	Lightening. This is known as the “baby dropping.” The baby’s head has settled deep into your pelvis.	From a few weeks to a few hours before labor begins
Increase in vaginal discharge (clear, pink, or slightly bloody)	Show. A thick mucus plug has accumulated at the cervix during pregnancy. When the cervix begins to dilate, the plug is pushed into the vagina.	Several days before labor begins or at the onset of labor
Discharge of watery fluid from your vagina in a trickle or gush	Rupture of membranes. The fluid-filled sac that surrounded the baby during pregnancy breaks (your “water breaks”).	From several hours before labor begins to any time during labor
A regular pattern of cramps that may feel like a bad backache or menstrual cramps	Contractions. Your uterus is tightening and relaxing. These contractions increase as labor begins and may cause pain as the cervix opens and the baby moves through the birth canal.	At the onset of labor

It can be hard to tell false labor from true labor. Table 2 lists some differences between true labor and false labor. Usually, false contractions are less regular and not as strong as true labor. Sometimes the only way to tell the difference is by having a vaginal exam to find changes in your cervix that signal the onset of labor.

One good way to tell the difference is to time the contractions. Note how long it is from the start of one contraction to the start of the next one. Keep a record for an hour. It may be hard to time labor pains accurately if the contractions are slight. If you think you are in labor, call your doctor’s office or go to the hospital.

Table 2. Differences Between False Labor and True Labor
Type of Change	False Labor	True Labor
Timing of contractions	Often are irregular and do not get closer together (called Braxton Hicks contractions)	Come at regular intervals and, as time goes on, get closer together. Each lasts about 30–70 seconds.
Change with movement	Contractions may stop when you walk or rest, or may even stop with a change of position	Contractions continue, despite movement
Strength of contractions	Usually weak and do not get much stronger (may be strong and then weak)	Increase in strength steadily
Pain of contractions	Usually felt only in the front	Usually starts in the back and moves to the front

There also are other signs that should prompt you to call your doctor or go to the hospital:

• Your membranes have ruptured (your “water breaks”), and you are not having contractions.
• You are bleeding from the vagina (other than bloody mucus).
• You have constant, severe pain with no relief between contractions.
• You notice the baby is moving less often.

Finally...

You are nearing a special, exciting time. Although it is not possible to know exactly when labor will begin, you can be ready by knowing what to expect. Being prepared can make it easier for you to relax and focus on the arrival of your baby when the time comes.

This Patient Education Pamphlet was developed by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Designed as an aid to patients, it sets forth current information and opinions on subjects related to women’s health. The average readability level of the series, based on the Fry formula, is grade 6–8. The Suitability Assessment of Materials (SAM) instrument rates the pamphlets as “superior.” To ensure the information is current and accurate, the pamphlets are reviewed every 18 months. The information in this pamphlet does not dictate an exclusive course of treatment or procedure to be followed and should not be construed as excluding other acceptable methods of practice. Variations taking into account the needs of the individual patient, resources, and limitations unique to the institution or type of practice may be appropriate.

Copyright © February 2009 by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without prior written permission from the publisher.

ISSN 1074-8601

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