How to Know when You Are in Labor

For first time mothers, labor can be a little scary. I was on bed rest and I watched A Baby Story on the TLC channel every day. Well despite what they show you on half hour TV shows, labor takes awhile. For first time mothers the average laboring process takes up to nine hours. Some can take longer, some faster. So the question is how do you know if you are really in labor? So here are some things that you can ask yourself to see if you are actually in labor or if you still have time to get a Starbucks on the way to the hospital.

My sister and I joke about how we are procrastinators. She is pregnant and we joke that when her water breaks she will have to take a shower, shave her legs and get ready, including curling her hair and putting her makeup on and then pack her bags. Then on the way to the hospital get a Starbucks and some McDonald's on the way. Even though this is a little far fetched it is true. You will have time to get to the hospital and get settled before your real labor starts. Most first time mothers I have talked to say that they wish they would have stayed home longer. So here are some things that you can ask yourself to make sure you know you are in labor.

First of all if you have any questions weather or not you are in labor then you should call your doctor and he/she will let you know if and when you need to go to the hospital to have your baby. Also don't wait to long , I would rather have my baby in the hospital and be there for awhile then have my baby while ordering Starbucks. Also if you have any pregnancy issues you shouldn't wait to get to the hospital.

Pre labor contractions feel like menstrual cramps and they can start up to a week or so before you actual labor begins. You usually will feel these contractions in your uterus and not in your back. Back labor usually signifies real labor. So ask yourself are you having mild cramping or is my contractions so bad that I can't walk or talk while having one. If your contractions are this intense you need to go to the hospital.

Time your contractions and keep a log of them this will help your doctor figure out where you are in labor. If your contractions last a full minute and are 3 to 5 minutes apart then you should go to the hospital or at least call your doctor to see if it is time. Most likely it will be time.

If your water breaks in a gush before you are having these contractions then you should go to the hospital, your contractions after your water breaks usually gets stronger and faster and longer, signifying the start of real labor.

Use common sense when it comes to having your baby, don't wait until the last minute or you will have a scene like the one from the movie nine months. Where Hugh Grant hits a guy on his bike, gives a lady a heart attack all while driving on the way to the hospital, trying to get his wife to the hospital in time to have her baby. It was a funny scene, if you have scene this movie you know what I am talking about. Funny in the movies but not so funny in real life. Trust your instincts and go to the hospital when you feel it is time, and remember if you have any questions then call your doctor.