Labor is one of those things we usually see acted out in movies—sudden, quick, and over before you can catch your breath. But in the real world, labor is typically a more gradual, slower process. It does include a combination of signs and sensations that make you ask, “Is this it?” Let’s go through what goes on as your body prepares to meet your baby.
Early Signs of Labor
Your body begins sending signals that labor is imminent, although the signs may be subtle and occasionally a bit ambiguous.
Thinning and Dilation of the Cervix
Your cervix, the lower portion of your uterus, starts to soften, shorten, and thin out, a process known as effacement. Before labor begins, it’s approximately 3.5 to 4 centimeters long. As things go on, it thins out (percentage-wise) and begins to open (dilate) from zero to 10 centimeters. All of these initial changes may occur slowly and sometimes even without you realizing it.
Increased Vaginal Discharge
During pregnancy, the cervix is closed by a mucus plug to prevent bacteria from entering. As labor draws near, this plug can be dislodged, which can cause additional discharge that’s clear, pink, or a bit bloody. This can occur days ahead of labor or at the very start of it.
Baby Drops Lower (Lightning)
You may notice that your belly appears or feels different. That’s due to the baby’s head nestling deeper into your pelvis. This can occur weeks—or sometimes only hours—before labor starts. It may make breathing a bit easier, but walking may become somewhat awkward.
Water Breaking
Your baby is surrounded by the amniotic sac, which can rupture at the onset or even during labor. When ruptured, you might feel a gush or a trickle of fluid. If you think that your water broke, it’s best to immediately call your doctor or midwife since the risk for infection grows once the sac is open.
Types of Labor Contractions
All contractions don’t mean you’re headed to the hospital. Recognizing the different kinds helps you know what’s occurring.
Braxton Hicks Contractions
They are also known as “practice” contractions. They tend to be irregular, won’t intensify or get tighter and closer together, and are more bothersome than painful. You might have them as early as six weeks pregnant, but experience them more often later. They will usually resolve if you shift positions or take a rest.
Prodromal Labor
This is often called “false labor,” but it can feel very real, trust me. They are stronger and more frequent than Braxton Hicks, but they don’t cause the cervix to change. They may persist for days or weeks before active labor starts. While they don’t mean baby is on the way, yet, they may help get your body and baby in position.
True Labor Contractions
This is where things get real. True labor contractions become stronger, last longer, and come closer together. They usually start as a dull ache or cramping feeling, often beginning in the back and moving to the front. You’ll start to notice a pattern—contractions happen every two to five minutes and last 40 to 90 seconds. They do not soften with movement or rest, and they intensify so much that it is difficult to speak or walk through them. Stages of Labor
Labor moves forward in three general stages, and each of them has different sensations and milestones.
First Stage: Early and Active Labor
This stage starts when contractions become steady and goes on until your cervix is completely dilated to 10 centimeters.
Early labor can last anywhere from six to 12 hours (a bit longer if it’s your first time giving birth), with contractions that aren’t particularly strong and slightly irregular. As you continue to be active labor, the contractions become stronger, closer together, and longer-lasting. It’s common for women to remain at home during early labor and to only head off to the hospital or birthing center when contractions are coming more often and are harder to manage. Second Stage: Pushing and Birth
Your cervix is fully dilated as soon as it is. Now it’s time to push, which will take anywhere from 30 minutes to hours. Contractions are intense and happen every two to five minutes, and usually last a minute or so. You’ll want to push, and your provider will help you along the way until your baby is born.
Third Stage: Delivery of the Placenta
As soon as your baby is born, there is a little more work for your body. Contractions come back again to help you deliver the placenta. This is usually short, up to 30 minutes. You can get some cramping or shivering, and it is perfectly normal to have a heavy bleed, too.
What Contractions Feel Like and How They Change
Each person feels contractions a bit differently, but there are some things they have in common. Most people compare them to strong menstrual cramps or a banding that begins at the top of the uterus and works its way down. Between contractions, your belly will become very hard, then soft again. The early contractions may feel like slight cramping or backache, but they get stronger as labor continues and may radiate into your back and thighs.
During early labor, contractions may take 20 to 30 seconds and occur far apart. During active labor, they extend to 40 to 70 seconds and occur every few minutes. By the time you are ready to push, they’re typically so intense that you can’t speak or walk through them.
When to Call Your Healthcare Provider
It is sometimes hard to be sure when exactly labor has officially begun. If you ever are unsure, by all means call your provider—better to be safe than sorry. Certainly call if you experience heavy bleeding, your water breaks, or you feel early signs of labor before 37 weeks. Each labor is unique, and the most important thing is that you feel safe, well-informed, and supported throughout.