First Aid & Emergencies

Labor Signs Overview

1. Look for Signs of Labor

Signs that labor has begun include:

• Contractions that come at regular intervals, increase in frequency, do not stop when the woman changes position or relaxes, and may cause pelvic pressure and discomfort or dull ache in the back or lower abdomen

• A sudden gush or a steady trickle of fluid when the amniotic membrane ruptures

• Clear, pink, or slightly bloody mucus discharged into the vagina

• The fetus lowers into the pelvis, which may cause more frequent urination

2. When to Call a Health Care Provider

Call the health care provider right away if:

• In first pregnancy, contractions are very uncomfortable and coming every 5 minutes for 1 hour.

• In subsequent pregnancies, contractions are coming every 7 to 10 minutes for an hour.

• The woman's "water breaks" (amniotic membrane ruptures), even without contractions. She should avoid baths, douching, tampons, or sexual intercourse.

• The woman has vaginal bleeding (more than spotting).

3. Follow Up

• The doctor will tell you when to go to the hospital if the woman is having a hospital delivery.

• At the hospital, the woman will be briefly interviewed and then taken to the labor and delivery area.