Signs of Labor

Some women experience very distinct signs of labor, while others do not. No one knows what causes labor to start or when it will start, but several hormonal and physical changes may indicate the beginning of labor.

These changes include:

* Lightening
* Passing of the mucus plug
* Contractions
* Breaking of the bag of water
* Effacement and dilation of the cervix

When the bag of water breaks already there is no question that the woman have gotten herself into the labor stage. However before that happens, the most common and obvious sign of labor is the continous and regular contractions of the stomach and the pains felt with it. These were the very signs I have felt myself as determinants that I was into labor already.

My first pregnancy was almost text book. I started off in the morning by haveing a 'show' then throughtout the day I was getting contractions. My waters did not break naturally, the midwife had to do that for me.

My second was very different. In the afternoon I just began to feel unwell and sleepy, this phased out and when I went to bed my contractions started at just 3 minutes apart. I urgently needed to go to the loo where my watrs burst and my tummy dropped considerably.

There will contraction and relaxation of muscle in the abdomen with little pain. slowly the pain starts increasing. This will be initial labor pain what i observed during my pregnancy.

The signs of labor will differ from women to women. I had realized contraction in my abdomen part and slight pinkish discharge in the uterus. I was immediately admitted in hospital.

i have contractions in the tummy area and rectal pressure.i have not experienced my water bag break, but maybe because it is too early since i am only 35 weeks pregnant.

contractions are the obvious signs of going into labour, well for me it was then my waters broke and off to the hospital and pop!

it is quite odd, because when i went for a check-up with my gynecologist last wednesday, i didn't have any signs of labor at all. when i got to her clinic, i was already 3cm on the way. so i was admitted to the hospital immediately. my water bag didn't break until the next day, but i did have a bloody show a few hours after i was admitted.

I have been to the hospital with me when she had 2 of my siblings and I'm VERY glad you posted this for everyone!! I agree with all the signs you listed. Although, I've never been pregnant and I'm sure they can vary by individuals