Labor can be both exciting and nerve-wracking, especially if it’s your first time or having a VBAC. Here’s what you need to know if you think you might be in labor. It's also important to note that not every birth will present the same. During this last stage of your pregnancy journey it is essential that you listen to your body.

Recognize the Signs of Labor

Labor isn’t always a dramatic water-breaking scene from a movie. It can start gradually. Common signs like tightening or cramping that starts in the back or lower abdomen and comes at consistent intervals, getting stronger over time are considered to be regular contractions. You may experience a pink or brown mucus discharge, which can happen when the cervix begins to open. When your water does break it could be a sudden gush or a slow trickle of amniotic fluid. Lightening crotch can typically occur the closer you are to your due date usually brought on by extreme pelvic pressure a sign that baby is settling lower. Also, if you have started to experience Braxton Hicks contractions it's a great time to start practicing how to time contractions when they start, stop and how far apart they may be.

Differentiate True Labor from False Labor

Sometimes, your body rehearses for the real thing—this is called Braxton Hicks contractions. These practice contractions tend to be irregular in timing, not getting stronger or closer together, often stop when you change position, walk, or rest. Once again true labor contractions, in contrast, become longer, stronger, and closer together no matter what you do. You could also experience a mucus plug dislodgment. The mucus plug is a thick collection of cervical mucus that seals the cervix during pregnancy to protect against infection. As the cervix softens and begins to open before labor, the plug may loosen and pass. Its discharge—sometimes tinged with blood—can mean labor is approaching, though timing vary by hours, days, or even weeks.

Follow the 5-1-1 Rule

Knowing exactly when to go into the hospital birthing center or when to call the midwife if having a home birth is important. Many providers recommend heading to your birth center or hospital when contractions are 5 minutes apart, lasting 1 minute each, and have been consistent for at least 1 hour. There may be exceptions if you’re high-risk, having multiples, or your provider gave different instructions, follow those instead.

Call Your Healthcare Provider

Even if you’re not sure, it’s always safe to call your midwife, OB-GYN, or labor nurse. Give them inept descriptions of what you may be feeling or experiencing. Describe in great detail the timing of your contractions any leaking fluid its color or smell, bleeding especially if more that spotting and your babies movement. It is always a good idea to call and check in with your provider if you're unsure about what you may be experiencing.

Stay Calm and Prepare

While you wait for guidance before it’s time to go in, it's important to get some rest you will need loads of energy to sustain you during birth and after. You could also grab your hospital bag ensure electronics are in there and any last minute items as well. Definitely eat something or even prepare ready to eat meals for when you are back home with your little. Drink water, I know you may hear this quite a lot but, your uterus is a muscle, and like any muscle, it needs adequate fluid balance to contract effectively. Dehydration can make contractions less efficient and more exhausting. Sipping water, electrolyte drinks, or ice chips between contractions can be more manageable than gulping down large amounts at once. It's important to find your coping mechanism and start those immediately, techniques like—deep breathing, music, and affirmation cards are all helpful.

Know When It’s Urgent

Knowing when to seek immediate help is essential during child birth so if you experience, heavy bleeding, severe abdominal pain not relieved by rest, sudden swelling in your face/hands, severe headache or vision changes, decreased fetal movement. Every labor story is unique, and your instincts matter. If something feels urgent or “off,” don’t wait—call your birthing professional or head to your birthing location. The sooner you get professional guidance, the better for both you and your baby.Your baby is on their way—and so is your next great adventure. You’ve got this.

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