Breith Áthas Childbirth Support Services

Having a doula can make early labor a lot less mysterious and later labor a lot more bearable.
Click here for more information on what a doula can do for you.
This information is adapted from Pregnancy, Childbirth and the Newborn, by Simkin, et. al.

Signs of Labor

Possible signs of early labor (these may or may not be early signs of labor, only time will tell)

Backache.
Vague, low, nagging; may come and go; may be caused by early contractions

Soft bowel movements.
Several in several hours; may be accompanied by intestinal cramps or digestive upset;
may be related to increase in circulating prostaglandins, which ripen your cervixwhile causing these other symptoms

Nesting Urge.
An unusual burst of energy resulting in great activity and a desire to complete preparations for the baby.
Think of this extra energy as a sign that you will have strength and stamina to handle labor; try to avoid exhausting activity

Preliminary signs of labor (these are signs of progress associated with early labor or prelabor)

Nonprogressing contractions.
Tend to remain about the same length, strength, and frequency. These prelabor contractions may last for a short time or continue for hours before they go away or begin to progress. Accomplish softening and thinning (effacement) of the cervix, although most dilation does not occur until you have positive signs.

Bloody show.
Passage of slippery blood tinged mucus from the vagina. Associated with thinning (effacement) and early opening (dilation) of the cervix; may occur days before other signs or not until progressing labor contractions have begun; continues throughout labor

Leaking amniotic fluid.
Caused by small rupture of membranes (ROM). Sometimes stops when membranes seal or continues off and on for hours or days

Positive signs of labor (these are the clearest signs that your cervix is dilating)

Progressing contractions. Become longer, stronger, and/or closer together with time; are usually described as painful or very strong and are felt in the abdomen, back or both. These dilate the cervix, are not reduced by mother’s activity, and do not subside because of a change in activity.

Gush of amniotic fluid. Caused by large rupture of membranes (ROM).

Often accompanied or soon followed by progressing contractions

Dilation of cervix. Opening of the cervix in response to progressing contractions. This can only be determined by a vaginal exam.

Stages of Labor

Prelabor: ripening, effacement, and forward movement of the cervix; ends when contractions progress (become longer, stronger, and closer together)

First Stage (dilation) begins with progressing contractions and ends when the cervix is completely open

Second Stage (descent and birth) begins when the cervix is fully dilated and ends when the baby is born

Third Stage (delivery of the placenta) begins with the birth of the baby and ends with delivery of the placenta

Fourth Stage (recovery) begins after the placenta is born and ends up to several hours later when the mother’s condition stabilizes.