You’ve waited for months, counting down the days, feeling every kick and hiccup. Now, the big moment is near! But how do you know if it’s really time to head to the hospital—or just another false alarm?
Labor doesn’t always look like the movies (no dramatic water breaking in the grocery store). The signs can be subtle or sudden, confusing or crystal clear. Knowing what to expect can help you feel calm, prepared, and ready to meet your baby.
Let’s break it down.
1. Contractions – The Real Deal vs. False Alarm
Contractions are your body’s way of preparing for birth, but not all contractions mean “go time.”
Real Labor Contractions:
- Get stronger, longer, and closer together
- Don’t stop, no matter what you do
- Feel intense in the lower belly and back
- Follow a pattern (e.g., every 5 minutes, lasting 1 minute, for 1 hour)
Braxton Hicks (False Labor):
- Irregular, don’t get stronger
- Stop when you rest or drink water
- Feel more like a tightening, not real pain
When to Go to the Hospital:
If contractions are 5 minutes apart, lasting 1 minute, for at least 1 hour (also called the 5-1-1 rule).
2. Water Breaking – Not Always a Flood!
Your water breaking means the amniotic sac has ruptured—baby is getting ready to arrive! But here’s the twist: it’s not always a big gush. Sometimes, it’s just a slow trickle.
How to Tell If It’s Your Water Breaking:
- It doesn’t smell like urine
- It keeps leaking, not just a one-time thing
- It might be clear or slightly pinkish
When to Go to the Hospital:
If your water breaks, call your doctor immediately, even if contractions haven’t started. They may ask you to come in, especially if the fluid is green or brown (which could signal baby distress).
3. Intense Back Pain – The Silent Sign
Not all labor starts in the belly. Some women experience severe back pain, known as back labor. This happens when the baby is positioned against the spine, causing intense pressure.
Signs of Back Labor:
- Strong, constant pain in the lower back
- Feels worse with contractions
- Doesn’t go away with movement or rest
When to Go to the Hospital:
If the pain is unbearable or paired with regular contractions, it’s time!
4. Bloody Show – A Sign Your Body Is Ready
A pink or brownish mucus discharge (called the “bloody show”) is a sign that your cervix is dilating. This means labor is near!
What to Expect:
- Light spotting or mucus with a tinge of blood
- Happens hours or even days before labor
When to Go to the Hospital:
If it’s heavy bleeding, call your doctor right away. Otherwise, it’s just a sign to get ready—labor is coming soon!
5. Feeling a Strong Urge to Push
If you suddenly feel intense pressure “down there” or an urge to push, baby is very close! This happens in active labor when the cervix is fully dilated.
Signs It’s Time to Push:
- Uncontrollable pressure in the pelvis
- Burning or stretching sensation
- Feeling like you need to poop (yes, really!)
When to Go to the Hospital:
If you feel like you can’t hold back the urge to push, get to the hospital ASAP—your baby is on the way!
Final Thoughts: Trust Your Body
Labor is different for every mom. Some experience slow, steady progress, while others have fast and intense labor. Your body knows what to do—trust it.
When in doubt, call your doctor or go to the hospital. It’s better to be safe than sorry.
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