L&D?

I don't really know how to tell you you will know. But you just do. When contractions start they are way different than BH one's and they start to get closer over time and longer and more painful etc. With my last 2 my water broke first then contractions started so no surprise to me I was in labor. With my first contractions started first and I knew but thought I had lots of time until my body hit FF and we went quick!! Just hang in there and don't worry about it too much. I'll bet you'll know when it's time!!

This is what I usually share:

Recognizing True Labor


In True Labor

Contractions will:
Get progressively longer
Build in intensity
Have shorter rest times

It seems unfair that the best advice most experienced mothers will give you is, "You'll know when it's labor." Even if it is true, it isn't especially helpful for the first time mother. What signs should she be looking for to let her know that labor is really starting?

Your body is going to go through periods of contractions that may be regular or irregular for days or weeks before your true labor begins. These contractions may feel strong or mild, some women don't even notice them. But they will have some differences from true labor contractions.

The first difference is that true labor contractions will not space out or slow down when you change activities, pre-labor contractions will. In fact, very often true labor contractions will increase when you change activity.

Another difference has to do with the overall pattern of contractions. In true labor, contractions will build in intensity and length, and they will get coser together. In pre-labor contractions will remain the same for many hours, sometimes days.

Testing for True Labor

There are a few "self-tests" you can do to determine if what you are experiencing is true labor.

Drink some water - Dehydration can cause you to feel contractions that look just like true labor, but are not productive.

Eat something - Some women find that hunger brings on Braxton-Hicks (pre-labor) contractions. Eating seems to stop these contractions.

Change your Activity - With pre-labor, changing activity (like resting if you have been walking around or going for a walk if you have been resting) can cause the contractions to stop.

Watch the contraction pattern - Even if you are having contractions less than 10 minutes apart, it may not be true labor. If the contractions are staying the same (not getting closer together or longer) it is pre-labor.

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Pre/Early labor indicators: Nausea/vomiting, diarrhea, losing mucous plug, bloody show, contractions (regular~increasing in intensity), back pain, menstrual-like cramps, pressure very low. While these are normal things to notice in the third trimester, it's a combo that gets your attention. Especially, when the contractions increase to a point where you must stop what you're doing to focus on getting through it.

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The contractions will sort themselves out. 4-1-1 is the "general rule" for knowing when "it's time" to get serious. Contractions are 4 minutes apart or less, 1 minute long or so, and happening this way for 1 hour or longer. ***Remember, to gauge how far apart they are: time contractions from the start of one to the start of the next.

 Thanks ladies..this is my 2nd baby but im so naevus!

Make a pregnancy ticker

 

The post by doulala is exactly right. Keep it handy so you can reference it if you think you are in labor. You will do great!

Quoting sissychristi:

The post by doulala is exactly right. Keep it handy so you can reference it if you think you are in labor. You will do great!

Thanks...im going to print it out

Make a pregnancy ticker

 

Quoting Mommy2Nicholas8:

Quoting sissychristi:

The post by doulala is exactly right. Keep it handy so you can reference it if you think you are in labor. You will do great!

Thanks...im going to print it out

Good!   :-)    I have been sharing it & amending it on here for years, lol.   

Oh, one thing, too.     The "4-1-1" rule is a nice average, but you might need to adapt that if you're farther from the hospital, planning to go in sooner for antibiotics, or whatever.   So please take the 4 minutes apart as a suggestion...

;-)

GOOD LUCK!!