Signs of Labor
Regular uterine contractions: They usually take place every five minutes and last from 45 seconds to 1 minute. (The contractions are produced by progressively shorter intervals.). These contractions are not necessarily painful, accompanied by a clear hardening of the uterus, which can feel by placing your hand on your abdomen.
The appearance of blood flow: This is the time where you can find a small amount of blood or mucus of brown blood in your underwear. It is the mucus (or plug) that was formed in early stages of pregnancy to close the cervix to prevent infection. If you release a fresh, red blood, or have a heavy flow of menstruation similar to report this to your doctor as soon as possible.
Rupture of membranes: These membranes (or bag) containing the amniotic fluid. In the womb, your baby is surrounded by amniotic fluid. The overlying membrane usually broken during the final moments before birth, but sometimes occurs sooner. If it happens before going to the hospital, contact your doctor immediately, the longer the interval between membrane break and birth, the bigger the probability of occurrence of infection.
The membranes may rupture slowly or suddenly. The fluid is usually clear and has no smell of urine. If green, amber, or brown, tell immediately to your doctor because it is a indication that the fetus has a bowel movement (meconium). A deposition before birth is sometimes associated with fetal distress and the doctor or midwife should be investigated.
There is only one way to tell if labor will begin: an internal review conducted by your doctor or midwife to reveal that the cervix is dilating.