How do I know I’m in labour?

How do I know I am in labour?

Many pregnant people, even those who have been pregnant before, may struggle to understand when labour is starting. The truest way to know if you are in labour is when you experience increasingly painful contractions that continue to become stronger, longer and closer together (they come every 15 minutes and then come every 5 minutes)

Contractions:

Contractions feel like period cramps. They are different from Braxton Hicks contractions that can start in the second trimester, are not painful and feel more like a tightening or hardening of the uterus (like a muscle flexing).

Early signs and symptoms:

Early labour symptoms vary from person to person and may include:

• Period-like cramps

• Loss of the mucus plug

• Diarrhea

• Back pain

• Constipation

• Irregular contractions that come and go

Early or latent labour:

Early or latent labour is typically the longest. You may have signs of labour for days or weeks leading up to the time you are in active labour. Some people experience their water breaking (i.e. membranes rupturing) right before labour, while others’ water breaks and labour does not start. If your water breaks and labour does not start you may need to be induced to get labour going in order to prevent an infection.

Active labour:

Progression to active labour is when contractions are typically every 2 minutes and your cervix starts to dilate more (at least 3-4cm open).

Koble sessions:

Signs and symptoms of labour by Dr Yolanda Kirkham