Congratulations, momma! Labor might be intimidating, but it means you’ll shortly meet your baby!
Labor starts with a series of continuous, progressive contractions of the uterus that help the cervix dilate (open) and efface (thin out) so the baby can move through the birth canal. Labor ends with the delivery of the placenta.
Labor is unique for each woman and each pregnancy. Less than 5% of women go into labor on their due date, and over 90% of women will go into labor within two weeks (before or after) their due date.
During a contraction, you'll feel your uterine muscles tighten, which causes pain. If you put your hand on your abdomen, you'll feel it getting harder, which causes dull pain in your lower abdomen and back and pressure in the pelvis. When the muscles relax, the pain fades. Some women describe contractions as strong menstrual cramps.
You may have contractions during your pregnancy—particularly towards the end—that start and stop. Your provider may describe these contractions as Braxton Hicks contractions or false labor. What do Braxton Hicks feel like, and what’s the difference between Braxton Hicks vs contractions? These contractions can be uncomfortable, but they don’t typically get stronger or closer together and don’t open or thin your cervix. Unlike labor contractions, Braxton Hicks contractions often stop or slow down when you change your position or relax.
Signs of labor. Click to enlarge.
Pay attention to the characteristics of your contractions. How often are they happening? How long do they last? How uncomfortable are the contractions?
If you like, you can time and track your contractions on paper or within a mobile app. Timing contractions can help you tell the difference between true and false labor contractions and help you figure out when it’s time for you to head to the hospital or birthing center.