Here are the most common and easy-to-interpret signs that you are, in fact, in labor:
You feel a “lightening”
As your baby is getting ready to be born, she descends into the birth canal, a process called “dropping.” For you, this means that you may suddenly feel like there’s more room in your chest (and less in your pelvis). This is a fairly good indication that labor is approaching, though it usually happens up to several weeks before birth.
Your contractions keep coming
In early labor, contractions are similar to menstrual cramps, and you may experience headaches and back pain just as you do during your period. Real contractions, in comparison to Braxton Hicks contractions (which you may have been experiencing for weeks or even months leading up to labor), grow in intensity and frequency.
If you haven’t experienced Braxton Hicks, you may be wondering what exactly a contraction feels like. As your uterus prepares to push out the baby, the muscle contracting can make your abdomen feel taut or hard. Real contractions can feel like a mild muscle strain or pain across your belly – but the key is that they don’t just fade after a few moments, and they are painful, unlike Braxton Hicks, which are usually painless and subside quickly.
You lose your mucus plug
During pregnancy, your cervix is sealed by a thick layer called the mucus plug. As your cervix dilates, you may notice the “bloody show” of your mucus plug passing – although not all women notice it (it often appears as part of normal vaginal discharge) and it sometimes also passes without blood. You can lose your mucus plug for reasons other than labor (including having sex or an exam), and it can happen several days before contractions begin, so it’s not a reliable predictor.
Your water breaks
When your water (actually amniotic fluid) breaks, you may notice a lot or just a little. In either case, you should call your medical professional right away, because once the amniotic sac is broken, your baby becomes vulnerable to infection.
You should also be prepared to tell your doctor or midwife what the fluid looked like, because it can provide valuable details about the condition of the baby. Check to see if it's clear or colored; if it’s dark green or brown, that might indicate meconium, which may mean that there’s a problem with the baby (although not always; it can also be present in healthy situations).
If your water breaks and you know your baby is in the breech position, call your doctor immediately, as you will likely need to have an urgent C-section.
For most women, rupturing membranes or water breaking isn’t the first sign of labor. And if it is, labor usually begins shortly after. If it doesn’t, you’ll probably be induced to ensure the safety of the baby.
When should you leave for the hospital?
Some women want to stay at home as long as possible during labor. This usually isn’t a problem, as long as you live close to the hospital. Some women even get sent home from the hospital or birthing center if they’re not dilated enough, only to return in a couple of hours when the contractions have become stronger and more regular.
In the early phases of labor, it's usually safe to stay at home as long as the baby is moving well and your pregnancy has been considered low-risk.Talk to your doctor about when she wants you to go to the hospital; she will likely give you "labor instructions" at your office visits when you are approaching your due date.