Recognizing the Signs of Labor: Real Labor Vs. False Labor

The thought of labor and delivery can fill an expectant mother with excitement and apprehension. Of course, she's excited about the thought of bringing her newborn into this world. But she may also be apprehensive about being able to recognize the signs of labor. She may not be sure if what she is feeling is the onset of labor or if they are simply Braxton Hicks contractions. Here are some ways to tell the difference.

Your Water Broke

When your water breaks, it is a good indication that actual labor will soon be starting. Even if you are not having contractions, you will probably be instructed to go to the hospital.

When I was pregnant with my first child, I was eight months along when my water started leaking. It didn't gush, but leaked in spurts. Since I wasn't due for another month, I assumed I had a bladder problem due to the pressure of the baby. The leaking kept up for about an hour. Although I wasn't having any contractions, I called my doctor and he had me go to the hospital. The next day I gave birth to my son.

Mucus Plug

Some women will notice the passing of their mucus plug. The mucus plug is exactly what it sounds like, a vaginal discharge with a mucus-like consistency. It sits at the opening of your cervix and helps prevent bacteria from entering the cervix. When your cervix begins to dilate in preparation of labor, you will pass this mucus plug. Due to the fact that there is already an increase in vaginal discharge at the end of a pregnancy, you may not notice it.

If you do notice that you have passed your mucus plug, there is no need to tell your doctor immediately unless accompanied by other signs of labor. This doesn't necessarily mean that labor will begin right away. It may be weeks after this occurs before labor begins. But it does mean that you're body is starting to prepare itself and you are that much closer to delivering your newborn.

Braxton Hicks Contractions or Real Labor?

Braxton Hicks contractions, named after the doctor who first described them, usually occur throughout the pregnancy. They tend to be painless and infrequent, where early labor contractions tend to be more uncomfortable, more frequent and stronger.

When you are approaching your due date, these contractions are termed "false labor". So how do you tell the difference between false and real contractions?

Try timing your contractions. Write down when each one starts and how long it lasts. Also try recording the intensity using a scale of one to ten. If they are getting stronger and closer together, and lasting longer, you are probably experiencing real labor.

Real labor will feel like menstrual cramps, only stronger. Labor can also occur in the lower back. As labor progresses, it gets harder to find a comfortable position.

If your contractions are sporadic and don't become more intense, it is more likely to be false labor. Try changing your activity. When I was pregnant, sometimes all it would take to make mild contractions stop would be to think of something else for awhile. Go for a short walk, take a nap or find some activity that will keep your mind occupied. If they don't stop after awhile, or they grow stronger and closer together, play it safe and call your doctor.

Internal Examination

Perhaps the best way to tell if you are experiencing labor is for your doctor to examine you. By examining you internally, he will be able to tell if you are experiencing effacement, which is your cervix thinning or if your cervix is dilating. Once you are fully effaced and your cervix has dilated the full ten centimeters, you are ready to deliver your baby.

Perhaps every women is nervous about going to the hospital thinking she's in labor, only to be told that it's false labor and sent home. If you have any doubts, call your doctor and describe what you are experiencing. Let him make the judgment call. It's better to be safe than to have your baby delivered in an unexpected situation.

http://www.babycenter.com/0_braxton-hicks-contractions_156.bc

http://www.americanpregnancy.org/labornbirth/mucusplug.html