But if you feel uncomfortable, you can try:. Learn more here about the development and quality assurance of healthdirect content. You'll probably be having lots of Braxton Hicks contractions by now. It's your body's way of preparing for the birth. They should stop if you move position. Learn how the uterus works, nurtures your baby and how it changes while you are pregnant. In this pregnancy week by week guide, find out how your baby is growing, how your body is changing and how to look after yourself.
Read more on raisingchildren. From conception to giving birth, a woman's body goes through many physical changes. Learn what happens to your body during pregnancy and labour.
Every labour and birth is unique and unpredictable, making it difficult to plan. It is common for women to feel some level of anxiety during pregnancy; perhaps about their changing body, the health of their baby or concerns about the birth. Read more on ACT Health website. Pregnancy, Birth and Baby is not responsible for the content and advertising on the external website you are now entering.
Video call. This information is for your general information and use only and is not intended to be used as medical advice and should not be used to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any medical condition, nor should it be used for therapeutic purposes. The information is not a substitute for independent professional advice and should not be used as an alternative to professional health care.
If you have a particular medical problem, please consult a healthcare professional. For more information, please visit the links below:. You are welcome to continue browsing this site with this browser. Regardless of contractions, if you're group B strep positive you'll need to start on antibiotics as soon as your water breaks to prevent an infection in your baby.
Labor usually starts between week 37 and week 42 of pregnancy. If you start having regular contractions that cause your cervix to begin to open before you reach 37 weeks of pregnancy, you're in preterm labor. It's also known as premature labor. It can be difficult to tell whether you're having preterm labor or not, because some of the symptoms like Braxton Hicks and low back pain may be things you've experienced throughout your pregnancy.
Still, call your doctor or midwife right away if you're having any of the following symptoms before 37 weeks:. If you are — or might be — in preterm labor, your doctor or midwife may give you medications to help your baby's lungs mature, and to protect their brain.
You may also receive medicine to stop or slow early contractions. Getting these medications early can improve outcomes for your baby, so be sure to call if you think you may be in preterm labor. It can be hard to tell at first. But the frequency, length, intensity, and location of your contractions can help you figure out whether you're in true labor or are having Braxton Hicks contractions.
How changing positions, walking, and rest affect your contractions provide more clues. Additionally, if you notice any bloody show with your contractions, they're probably true labor contractions. No matter how well informed you are about the signs of labor, it's normal to have a false alarm. Don't be embarrassed about calling your doctor — or showing up at the hospital — because you think you're in labor when you're not. If you're assessed at the hospital and sent home because you're not in labor yet, your care team will give you specific instructions about changes to look for in the next few days or weeks and when to call or come back.
Toward the end of your pregnancy, your doctor or midwife will most likely give you clear guidelines about when to let them know that you're having contractions, and when you should grab your hospital bag and head to the hospital or birth center. Your instructions will depend on your individual situation — such as whether you have a high-risk pregnancy or other complications , if this is your first baby, if you're planning a cesarean delivery , and how far you live from the hospital or birth center.
If your pregnancy is uncomplicated, they'll probably have you wait to come in until you've been having contractions that last for about a minute each, occur every five minutes for about an hour, and are very uncomfortable. If you're unsure whether it's time, go ahead and call. Doctors and midwives are used to getting calls from women for guidance about whether they're in labor.
When you call, your doctor or midwife will get some clues about your condition from the sound of your voice. They'll want to know:. Your provider will also take your obstetric history into account. What number baby is this for you? Did you have fast labors in the past? Have you had a c-section and are you planning to have one this pregnancy? Are you group B strep positive or negative? If your water breaks, call your provider.
They may have you wait at home until you also have regular contractions or a certain amount of time has passed, or they may want you to head to the hospital. If you tested positive for group B streptococcus, for example, your provider will want you to go to the hospital as soon as your water breaks so you can start taking antibiotics.
BabyCenter's editorial team is committed to providing the most helpful and trustworthy pregnancy and parenting information in the world. When creating and updating content, we rely on credible sources: respected health organizations, professional groups of doctors and other experts, and published studies in peer-reviewed journals. We believe you should always know the source of the information you're seeing. Learn more about our editorial and medical review policies.
How to tell when labor begins. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. What are the symptoms of labor? Guidelines for Perinatal Care. Washington, D. American Academy of Pediatrics. Hutchison J et al. Stages of labor. March of Dimes. Contractions and signs of labor. Mayo Clinic. Signs of labor: Know what to expect. Labor and birth. Office on Women's Health. Braxton Hicks Contractions. Join now to personalize. Time to give birth or a false alarm? Learn the early signs of labor, how to tell if it's true labor or false labor, and what happens when labor starts for real.
Photo credit: Nathan Haniger for BabyCenter. What is labor? Menstrual-like cramps felt in the lower abdomen that may come and go or be constant. Low dull backache felt below the waistline that may come and go or be constant. Pelvic pressure that feels like your baby is pushing down. This pressure comes and goes.
Abdominal cramping with or without diarrhea. Increase or change in vaginal discharge such as change into a mucousy, watery or bloody discharge. You can feel for contractions in this way: While lying down, place your fingertips on the top of your uterus A contraction is a periodic tightening or hardening of your uterus.
If your uterus is contracting, you will actually feel your abdomen get tight or hard, and then feel it relax or soften when the contraction is over. Place a pillow at your back for support. Sometimes lying down for an hour may slow down or stop the signs and symptoms. Do not lie flat on your back, because lying flat may cause the contractions to occur more often. Do not turn completely on your side, because you may not be able to feel the contractions.
Hydrate yourself by drinking several large glasses of water. Sometimes being dehydrated can cause contractions. Check for contractions for one hour. To tell how often contractions are occurring, check the minutes that elapse from the beginning of one contraction to the beginning of the next. Call your provider or the UCSF Birth Center at or go to the hospital if you experience any of the following: You have six or more uterine contractions in one hour You have any of the other signs and symptoms for one hour You have any spotting or leaking of fluid from your vagina With acknowledgement to Dr.
Recommended reading. Diabetes in Pregnancy Gestational diabetes refers to diabetes that is diagnosed during pregnancy. Domestic Violence and Pregnancy Domestic violence is the most common health problem among women during pregnancy.
Eating Right Before and During Pregnancy It is important to get the nutrients you need both before getting pregnant and during your pregnancy. Exercise During Pregnancy Most women can, and should, engage in moderate exercise during pregnancy. FAQ: Prenatal Tests Commonly asked questions regarding Prenatal Tests including, types available, positive screenings, diagnostic testing, health insurance coverage, and more.
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