Labor: The progressive dilation of the cervix.

Recognizable Probable signs of Labor:

Regular Contractions

• Tightening of the lower abdomen and/or repetitive pains in the lower back.

Intensity of Contractions

• The contractions are getting progressively stronger and harder.

Duration of Contractions

• The contractions are getting longer

Frequency of Contractions

• The contractions are getting closer together

What To Do If The Above Signs Appear To Be Occuring:

1. Go to the hospital  - Click for directions to Sharp Mary Birch Hospital for Women & Newborns
2. Make no phone calls.  (The hospital will call the doctor upon your arrival after your condition has been assessed.)

Other Points to Be Aware Of:

Bleeding

• This is normal:
  • After vaginal exams in the office at the later stage of pregnancy
  • Preceding labor.
  • When in labor.
• If you are soaking pads - This may not be normal and requires an examination and/or consultation.

Loss of Mucous Plug

• This is an insignificant occurrence that has no value in predicting the onset of labor
• The cervical mucous glands secrete heavily in the later stages of pregnancy, but this does not indicate the onset of labor.

Rupture of Membranes (Spontaneous Breaking of the Bag of Water)

• It is usually recognized by a large gush of fluid, not just a little vaginal drainage.
• When this occurs, we have approximately 24 hours to deliver the baby to avoid an increased risk of infection
• 85% of women at term will go into labor within 12 hours after this happens
• If no labor occurs within 12 hours after rupture, it is important that you go to the hospital immediately so that attempts will be made to induce labor.
• If the fluid is brown or green in color, go immediately to the hospital

False Labor

• False labor may simulate real labor in certain respects.
• The contraction of false labor may even be regular, but over a period of time, false labor will not be PROGRESSIVE with respect to INTENSITY, DURATION, AND FREQUENCY of contractions.
• False labor will stop even after a number of hours.  True labor will not.

Note:  if there are any problems or questions not answered by the above information, please feel free to call the office at any time at 1-800-395-9431