How Will I Know When Labor Has Begun?

The onset of labor is usually indicated by one of the following:

A bloody show. This is the bloodstained mucus discharge that appears when the cervix (the opening of the uterus) begins to stretch. Until labor, this plug in the cervix seals off the uterus. The bloody show can precede the onset of labor by several weeks, so your practitioner will not have you come to the hospital unless other signs of labor are also present.

The water bag breaks. When the membranes surrounding the baby have been pressed to the point where they can no longer withstand the pressure, the bag pops. It may occur suddenly with a gush of water, or more slowly. Your practitioner may want to be notified when this happens, even if you are not yet having contractions.

Contractions begin. Contractions usually feel like a tight elastic belt over the lower portion of the abdomen and around into the back. They usually increase in intensity over 15-20 seconds, and then ease up. Once you begin to feel several contractions in a row, they should be timed. Once contractions get going well, they have a regular rhythm and last longer, while the interval between them is reduced. Many women experience what are referred to as Braxton-Hicks, or rehearsal contractions, before the true onset of true labor. Your practitioner will give you precise instructions about when to call if you begin having contractions.

Once labor is underway, it is divided into three stages:

Stage 1. This begins with dilation of the cervix and ends when the cervix is fully dilated at 10 centimeters. It is the longest stage of labor, beginning with mild contractions and ending with progressively stronger contractions. Typically stage 1 is longer in first pregnancies and shorter in subsequent ones.

Stage 2. This begins once the cervix has fully dilated. It is the stage where expulsion or birth of the baby occurs. It is usually shorter than stage 1, and is accomplished by the women’s bearing down with each contraction in an effort to push out the baby. Stage 2 ends with delivery of the baby.

Stage 3. This is the final stage of labor and it involves the expulsion of the placenta or afterbirth. It is the shortest stage, usually lasting about 15 minutes. There is little pain associated with this stage. Vaginal bleeding is normal during this stage, with most women averaging about ½ pint of blood loss.

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This calculator predicts ovulation dates based on the date of your last period and the length of your menstrual cycle. It provides approximate dates only. Having intercourse during the few days before ovulation will give you the best chance of becoming pregnant. Since sperm can survive for several days, keep in mind that these are not the only days to become pregnant.

Remember: If your periods are irregular, this calculator is not a good way to predict your ovulation dates. Speak to your doctor about other ways to help you identify when you can conceive.

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