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An Overview of Labor and Birth:know what to expect and watch for warning signs
Labor and birth are similar to an athletic event in that your body will need to work hard. Like other normal physical experiences, your body will communicate with you when it needs something, such as food or fluids, or deeper or shallower breaths during contractions. Covered in this labor and birth overview are: Before Labor Begins How Do I Know That I'm in Labor? What Should I Do When My Labor Starts? Premature Labor Warning Signs Before Labor BeginsPrior to going into labor, your body will experience some changes.
How Do I Know That I'm in Labor?Two signs tell you that your labor has begun. But keep in mind that when they occur is different for everyone, and the actual beginning of labor can sometimes be very drawn out and tiresome.
It is sometimes difficult to tell if your water has broken or you are simply leaking urine. Amniotic fluid smells like saltwater, not like urine, and usually the flow is uncontrolled. Sometimes you can tell by emptying your bladder and seeing if you continue to leak fluid. To be sure, check with your health care provider. Contractions can feel like you have indigestion, a backache, or menstrual cramps. As they become stronger, you may notice that they have a defined beginning and end, and usually "peak" somewhere in the middle. Contractions last no longer than a minute or so, with several pain-free minutes in between contractions. If you're not sure that you're feeling "real" contractions, try changing your position (such as moving from sitting to standing); if they keep coming at fairly regular intervals, they are probably labor contractions. What Should I Do When My Labor Starts?As soon as you notice that you are leaking amniotic fluid, contact your health care provider, especially if this happens before strong and regular contractions begin. Even though contractions can occur before labor truly starts, it's always a good idea to call your health care provider to find out if she wants to see you. If you have ruptured membranes, a vaginal exam is not recommended because it increases the risk of infection.Note that if your amniotic fluid is a greenish-brown color, you should call your health care provider immediately. This is a sign that meconium, a tar-like substance that comes from your baby's digestive tract, has passed into the fluid. Meconium in amniotic fluid can mean that your baby is having a problem. When you start the third trimester, it's a good idea to ask your health care provider about the procedure to follow when labor begins. For example:
Premature Labor Warning SignsThe following symptoms may be indications that you are going into premature labor or have a problem that needs medical attention.Call your health care provider right away if you have any of these symptoms! Premature labor warning signs:
Warning signs of other conditions:
Don't ever be embarrassed to call your care provider if you have any of these symptoms. Most recent page update: 9/9/2010
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Childbirth Connection is a national not-for-profit organization founded in 1918 as Maternity Center Association. Our mission is to improve the quality and value of maternity care through consumer engagement and health system transformation. Childbirth Connection promotes safe, effective and satisfying evidence-based maternity care and is a voice for the needs and interests of childbearing families. |
News and Features
Listening to MothersSM III: New Mothers Speak Out (June 2013) reports on new national surveys about issues women face in the postpartum period and their views about maternity care.
Access the full report and supplementary materials  Listening to MothersSM III (May 2013) is the third national survey exploring women's experiences in pregnancy and childbirth. Commissioned by Childbirth Connection, conducted by Harris Interactive, and funded by the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, the survey polled 2,400 women who gave birth in U.S. hospitals from 2011 to 2012. Results show that medically intensive experiences are typical, and evidence-based practices are underutilized. Childbearing women need better support and knowledge to navigate their maternity care. Access the full report and supplementary materials New Report: Maternity Care and Liability Go to report and supporting materials New Report: The Cost of Having a Baby in the United States Go to report and supporting materials New Cesarean Resources: Go to Best Evidence Report Go to web pages and booklet for women 
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