Natural Birth and Baby Care.com

How to Know When I'm Going Into Labour ?

How do I know when I'm going into labour?

Answer:

Ah, the eternal question! I'm sure as long as there are women giving birth, there will be women wondering just how they're going to know.

I can give you some ideas on how you'll know, but I should admit that just over a year ago, when I was pregnant with baby #4, I was sitting there thinking the same thing.

That's right, 4th baby - I'd had labour start 3 times already - and I still wasn't sure I'd know if it was "it!"

Well it turns out I did know that it was "it" as soon as "it" started ;) But that didn't stop me from wondering about it beforehand.

There are some good ways to tell if labour is really beginning.

Often you'll know because the Braxton-hicks contractions you've been feeling for the last months of pregnancy will become more regular, and take on an edge. This will feel something like the cramps you feel during your period.

If this sensation continues and keeps going even when you change positions or activities, that's a good sign labour is beginning.

Some women also find it begins with a tightening in their back that comes and goes at regular intervals. It gradually gets more intense.

You can also start with your waters breaking. If this happens, you'll know it. There will be warm gushes of water coming out.

If your water bag just opens for a trickle you may not be so sure. If you think you may have some waters leaking but you're not sure it's best just to wait and see if contractions begin. If you notice any foul smelling or strangely coloured discharge, call your midwife.

You may also get an indication labour is going to begin by having a show. A bloody show is when you have a large plug of blood-streaked mucus come out in your underwear or while you're on the toilet.

Sometimes you have small bits of show come out in the weeks leading up to birth, but the cervix keeps re-sealing itself. This is normal, too. If you have a big bloody show, though, it often means that labour will begin within 48 hours.

Another indicator that things may be about to start is the intense need to clean and straighten - some women do have the "nesting" urge begin just before labour!!

You can also read an article I've written on starting labour.