Signs of Labor

When it comes to pregnancy there are so many shoulds and should nots! As with everything and everyone, each pregnancy is different, so always discuss how you’re feeling toward the end of your pregnancy with your doctor if you feel like you are experiencing signs of labor!

Signs of Active Labor

While it can’t be exactly described how labor will feel for every woman, there are a few common signs to learn that will help you determine whether or not you’re in labor or may be soon.

According to What to Expect, there are four signs that indicate you are likely in labor. Those include:

Strong, frequent contractions
Bloody show
Belly and lower back pain
Water breaking

These other signs are indications that you might be in early labor. And what is “early labor” per se? Well, according to What to Expect, signs of early labor could mean you are a month away from labor or just a few hours! Early signs of labor include:

Your baby drops
Cervix begins to dilate
Cramps and increased back pain
Loose-feeling joints
Diarrhea
Weight gain stops
Fatigue and the nesting instinct

The 4-1-1 Rule

Like Mamas Uncut previously reported, many pregnant women follow the “4-1-1 rule” to determine if they are in active labor or showing signs of labor. The “4-1-1 rule” suggests that you should head to the hospital when your contractions are regularly four minutes apart, with each contraction lasting one minute long. If this pattern lasts for at least one hour, it’s time to get to the hospital.

What to Expect When Contracting

But what do contractions feel like? While Braxton Hick contractions can occur frequently and early in a pregnancy, labor contractions are much stronger.

Cleveland Clinic reports the labor contractions commonly feel like a discomfort or dull ache in your back and lower abdomen with the additional pressure in your pelvis. Some women have likened contractions to “strong menstrual cramps.”