As labor begins, the cervix opens (dilates). The uterus, which contains muscle, contracts at regular intervals. When it contracts, the abdomen becomes hard. Between the contractions, the uterus relaxes and becomes soft. Up to the start of labor and during early labor, the baby will continue to move.
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Signs That You Are Approaching Labor
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Sign
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What it is
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When it Happens
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| Feeling as if the baby has dropped lower |
Lightening. This is known as the “baby dropping.” The baby’s head has settled deep into your pelvis. |
From a few weeks to a few hours before labor begins |
| Increase in vaginal discharge (clear, pink, or slightly bloody) |
Show. A thick mucus plug has accumulated at the cervix during pregnancy. When the cervix begins to dilate, the plug is pushed into the vagina. |
Several days before labor begins or at the onset of labor |
Your uterus may contract off and on before "true" labor begins
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Differences Between False Labor and True Labor
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Type of Change
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False Labor
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True Labor
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| Timing of contractions |
Often are irregular and do not get closer together (called Braxton Hicks contractions) |
Come at regular intervals and, as time goes on, get closer together. Each lasts about 30–70 seconds. |
| Change with movement |
Contractions may stop when you walk or rest, or may even stop with a change of position |
Contractions continue, despite movement |
| Strength of contractions |
Usually weak and do not get much stronger (may be strong and then weak) |
Increase in strength steadily |
| Pain of contractions |
Usually felt only in the front |
Usually starts in the back and moves to the front |
Signs of Labor
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