Am I in labor?

One of the most common questions from moms-to-be is how they will be able to tell if they have actually started labor.

Just before your baby is due you’ll probably start to notice signs that your body is getting ready for labor. If you experience any of them it doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll be holding your baby by nightfall, but it is an indication that labor is imminent.

Your cervix lies at the top of your vagina and must open, or fully dilate, in order for your baby to come out. Throughout labor your uterus will contract – tense and relax – which softens and thins your cervix so it can dilate in preparation for the birth. This is stage one of your labor.

Regular contractions are the main sign that you are actually in labor but early contractions can be so mild you might not be aware that it has started. This is because you’re in what’s often called ‘pre-labor’.

Pre-labor is the latent phase at the start of stage 1 of labor. You’ll have mild contractions during which you can carry on chatting or having lunch (they may be stronger if your labor is fast, for example if it’s your second child). This phase can last for hours or even days and most women describe these early labor pains as being like strong menstrual cramps.

It’s important to note the length and strength of your contractions, rather than the time between them. If they last 30-40 seconds and you’re able to continue as normal in between them, you’re unlikely to be in established labor.

When your irregular contractions are replaced by more consistent contractions, which are strong enough to stop you from speaking, come every five minutes or less, and last roughly 45-60 seconds, you are in established labor. Phone your OB-GYN or nurse-midwife and make yor way to the hospital or birthing center.

You are not in established labor if your contractions are irregular (for example, sometimes every three minutes and sometimes every five or 10 minutes), or if they don’t intensify with time but in fact ease off if you walk about or lie down. If you’re still in doubt to whether you are in labor, call your OB-GYN or nurse-midwife, who can arrange an examination to set your mind at rest.

The information in this feature is intended for educational purposes only. If you have any concerns about your health, the health of your child or the health of someone you know, please consult with a doctor or other healthcare professional.