Pregnant Women: These Signs Will Tell You You're Going Into Labor

Just like understanding how to take care of yourself during pregnancy, it is equally imperative for you to know the signs of labor. While every woman undergoes a different type of labor experience, it will be helpful if you have firsthand knowledge of the most common signs of going into labor.

Braxton Hicks vs. True Labor

Many women experience Braxton Hicks contractions and misinterpret it as a sign of going into labor. They tend to panic and head straight to the hospital bringing the entire baby's room! However, they end up going back home.

Braxton Hicks are contractions that occur before true labor. You can identify if you're already going into labor as the contractions get stronger, more painful and at equal intervals. Some true labor contractions start at 15 minutes apart then the time gradually increases. When you experience these, then go to the hospital or immediately seek your doctor.

Water Breaks

Watch out for that water gush. According to Baby Center, many pregnant women experience their water breaking before they experience true labor. On the other hand, there are those who feel contractions even before their water breaks. Either way, the moment you feel that water, better head for the hospital as your baby may already be in a hurry to see the world.

Understand Pre-Labor Signs

You are also in the best position to know that you are going into labor if you know the signs of pre-labor. What to Expect said that these signs normally become apparent at about one to four weeks before you experience signs of true labor.

Some pre-labor signs you have to watch out for include your baby "dropping." This means that your baby has already started descending into your pelvis. Consider this as your baby preparing for his exit, with his head down and really low.

Another pre-labor sign is that your cervix starts dilating. You will also notice that your doctor would see you more frequently during this time as he would also be checking these pre-labor signs.

In addition, you would feel more cramps and more back pain. Yes, these may be uncomfortable but look at these at the bright side because these will lead you to experience signs of true labor, which would mean that you would be catching a glimpse of your little one very soon.