Is it time? Sometimes it’s not easy for expectant moms to tell when labor has started. And often the signs can be misinterpreted as something else. But here are six cues that can help you decide if it’s time to head to the hospital or not.
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- Ready to nest: If you have the sudden urge to clean and organize your home before baby arrives, this could be a sign of labor.
- Bloody show: A small amount of mucus, slightly mixed with blood, may be expelled from the vagina indicating labor could be in the not-too-distant future.
- Flu-like symptoms: In the late stages of pregnancy, you may experience nausea, vomiting or diarrhea.
- Achy back: While many expectant mothers experience back pain for months, but if pain becomes extremely harsh, this could be “back labor.”
- Your water breaks: Labor sometimes begins with amniotic fluid gushing or leaking from the vagina. Women who experience a rupture of the amniotic sac should go to the hospital immediately and contact their health care provider.
- Strong, regular contractions: Contractions (uterine muscle spasms) occurring at intervals of less than 10 minutes are usually a sign that labor has begun. Contractions may become more frequent and severe as labor progresses.
If you have any concerns or are unsure, please contact your provider.
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Posted In Health Information, Pregnancy, Women's
