Early labor, which is the first part of what's called Stage 1 labor, can be an unpredictable in terms of duration. It may be hours or even days before you progress to active labor, the second part of Stage 1 labor, especially if this is your first baby. This time will usually get shorter with subsequent deliveries. Until your contractions get more regular and become more intense, or your water breaks, just stay relaxed.
However, call your doctor or midwife if you notice bright red bleeding not pale pink or dark brown , if your water breaks especially if the fluid is green or brown or has a foul odor , if your baby is less active, or you have a headache, vision problems, or sudden swelling.
Also call your doctor if you think you are in preterm labor, which is when you go into labor before the baby is ready to be born. If you experience only a few signs of labor approaching, you may not need to go to the hospital just yet. Your doctor or midwife will give you guidance based on your labor signs and your individual situation. Realizing you're in labor can bring feelings ranging from excitement to disbelief or apprehension.
Try to stay calm and focused. Arrange to have your partner or friend with you to help record labor symptoms, keep you company, and get you to the hospital when the time comes.
You can learn more about when to go to hospital for labor and what happens when labor starts from nurses in our video guides. Active labor is when things start to really happen. Inside your body, your cervix should be dilating from 6 to 10 centimeters, and you will notice stronger signs that labor is here, including:. Water breaking. Shortly before delivery but sometimes only during active labor , the amniotic sac ruptures and releases the fluid inside.
But there are common signs you can look for that signal your little one is about to arrive. Your upcoming labor will add more. Some signs indicate your labor will probably start soon. Other signs mean your labor has started. But labor is a process. Even after it starts, it could take several hours to several days before you have your baby.
They can occur as early as the second trimester. However, they are most often felt in the third trimester, if at all. Sometimes checking the cervix and monitoring contractions is the only way your doctor can tell for sure.
Last Updated: January 14, This information provides a general overview and may not apply to everyone. Talk to your family doctor to find out if this information applies to you and to get more information on this subject. Pregnancy screenings can provide valuable information before your baby is born about the risks for common birth defects.
If your pregnancy is unexpected, you may be feeling scared or confused about what to do. It is important…. Visit The Symptom Checker. But do signs that labor is 24 to 48 hours away exist? Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. It is completely variable. But take heart! Emery says there are four early signs of labor that may just happen to you.
Signs that labor is imminent are a bit of a moving target. Putterman says. You're feeling pelvic pressure along with the contractions. Feel something heavy settling into your hips? That's your baby lining up for his journey through the birth canal. Putterman advises. By Lisa Milbrand. Be the first to comment! No comments yet.
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