Labor and Delivery
The first question most women have is, Am I pregnant? The question that
usually follows is, Whats labor and delivery like? This information will help
answer the most common questions about labor, especially if this is your first
pregnancy. For detailed information on delivery, see Methods of Delivery.
Signs of Labor
Some women experience very distinct signs of labor, while others do not. No
one knows what causes labor to start or when it will start, but several hormonal
and physical changes may indicate the beginning of labor.
These changes include:
- Lightening
- Passing of the mucus plug
- Contractions
- Breaking of the bag of water
- Effacement and dilation of the cervix
Lightening
The process of your baby settling or lowering into your pelvis is called
lightening. Lightening can occur a few weeks or a few hours before labor.
Because the uterus rests on the bladder more after lightening, you may feel the
need to urinate more frequently.
Passing of the Mucus Plug
The mucus plug accumulates at the cervix during pregnancy. When the cervix
begins to open wider, the mucus is discharged into the vagina and may be clear,
pink or slightly bloody. Labor may begin soon after the mucus plug is discharged
or one to two weeks later.
Contractions
During contractions, the abdomen becomes hard. Between contractions, the
uterus relaxes and the abdomen becomes soft. The way a contraction feels is
different for each woman and may feel different from one pregnancy to the next.
But, labor contractions usually cause discomfort or a dull ache in your back and
lower abdomen, along with pressure in the pelvis. Contractions move in a
wave-like motion from the top of the uterus to the bottom. Some women describe
contractions as strong menstrual cramps. Unlike false labor contractions or
Braxton Hicks contractions -- labor contractions do not stop when you change
your position or relax. Although the contractions may be uncomfortable, you will
be able to relax in between contractions.
Whats the Difference between True Labor and False Labor?
Before "true" labor begins, you may have "false" labor pains, also known as
Braxton Hicks contractions. These irregular uterine contractions are perfectly
normal and may start to occur in your second trimester, although more commonly
in your third trimester of pregnancy. They are your body's way of getting ready
for the "real thing."
Next: What do Braxton Hicks contractions feel like? »
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