What are the signs that labour is really beginning? Although it is different for every woman (isn’t this always the way these discussions begin?), a bloody show is a common beginner. During the nine months of pregnancy, a mucous plug has formed and sealed the cervix shut. Expulsion of this seal may indicate that labour is imminent. Yet, for some (myself included), the mucous plug is not expelled at one time, and it may in fact be expelled several weeks before the onset of labour.
When the water bag breaks and amniotic fluid is released, this is another typical indicator that labour will soon be underway. But, for most women, labour starts well before the water breaks. If there is a gush of water, then call your doctor or midwife immediately. Having the onset of labour delayed much past 24 hours in this case increases the risk of infection.
And, of course, the regular onset of contractions that increase in duration and intensity is the most common and reliable indicator that your baby will soon be here. But, the big question – how to distinguish these contractions from the Braxton-Hicks variety? The best bet to distinguish is to time the contractions over an hour-long interval. The length of a contraction encompasses the entire wave from the initial tightening to the peak to the gradual relaxation. The time between contractions can be measured beginning with the start of one contraction and ending with the start of the second contraction. Charting these values will offer some insight into whether or not labour is underway. If the contractions are increasing in frequency and duration, then a call to the doctor or midwife is warranted. If the contractions are irregular and not particularly intense, then these may simply be practice contractions, and labour may not be starting at all. Of course, if you are concerned, a quick telephone call to alleviate these worries is always worth it.
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