Signs the Body Gives When a Pregnant Woman is in Labor

First-time mothers often ask their doctors or midwives many of the same questions. What foods should I avoid during pregnancy? Are these Braxton Hicks contractions? Is my weight gain normal? Of these questions, however, the most common one, especially among first-time mothers, is how they will know when they are going into labor. Many have been known to call the doctor or midwife, frantic with the question, "Am I in labor?" Concern over going to the hospital or birthing center too early or too late weighs on mothers' minds. There are ways to know when your labor is the real thing.

Contractions
Women hear about contractions, but it's difficult to describe labor contractions unless you have experienced them. Labor contractions feel almost like an immense tightening of your uterus and stomach muscles, and strongly resemble immense menstrual cramps like you've never experienced before. More helpful than a description of how they feel, however, is that labor contractions, as opposed to Braxton-Hicks contractions (false labor) will increase in frequency and intensity. Real contractions get steadily stronger and closer together, and false contractions do not. Hence, it's important to time contractions. Your doctor or midwife will advise you when you should contact them, and it usually ranges between 5-10 minutes between contractions. If your contractions are becoming painful and difficult for you to talk or walk through, that's a good sign that this is the real deal and labor and delivery are in the near future.