TRUE LABOR

Please call the office once you begin to experience one or more of the following signs: 

CONTRACTIONS 

Contractions are felt as menstrual cramps, backache, gas, pelvic pressure or even leg pains.  This is accompanied by a “balling up” or tightening of your abdomen.  They will continue to occur despite change in activity, usually in a regular pattern, and will become longer, stronger and closer together. 

If this is your first baby, notify us when your contractions are approximately 3-5 minutes apart, lasting for 30-45 seconds, and have been occurring at this rate for at least one hour or you can no longer walk or talk through a contraction.  You will probably be in good labor at this time. 

For second or subsequent babies, call us when contractions are 5-6 minutes apart, due to the fact that these labors are usually faster than first labors.

RUPTURE OF MEMBRANES 

Rupture of membranes is most commonly noticed as a small leak or large gush or warm, clear fluid coming from the vagina.  At times it may have white or red flecks in it or may be green tinged.  If you think that you have ruptured, note the time this occurs and notify the doctor immediately.  If there is suspicion that this has occurred, nothing should be inserted into the vagina, nor should there be any bathing, swimming, sexual intercourse, tampons or douching.

SHOW 

This is noticed as blood-streaked mucous or watery vaginal discharge at the onset or during labor.  The amount may be similar to that of a menstrual period.  Small amounts of show may be seen up to a week before labor begins or after an internal exam.  This alone, without contractions, is usually not significant.  Please report any excessive bright red bleeding to the doctor immediately.

FALSE LABOR 

Many women have episodes of “false labor” before going into true labor.  This may be experienced as uterine cramping which may feel very similar to true labor.  Test yourself to prevent false alarms by doing the following:

1. Note how long, strong and close together your contractions are.  False labors rarely become more intense and close together.  Typically, they are irregular, may last only a few hours and eventually stop.

2. Change your activity.  If you are lying down, walk around for a few minutes.  If you are active, try to relax by lying down or sitting with legs elevated.  If contractions slow down or go away you are most likely in false labor.

3. Relax.  Take a warm bath (if membranes are not ruptured), listen to music, have a back massage, etc.  This also helps false labor.

4. A rule of thumb, nothing will stop or decrease true labor contractions.

ACTIVITY 

While laboring at home, try to stay as upright as possible.  This may be achieved by walking or sitting in a lounge or rocking chair.  This will assist the natural forces in the progression of labor.  Once labor is established you should not eat solid foods or milk products.  You are encouraged, however, to drink clear fluids (fruit juice, broth, Jell-O, popsicles, non-caffeinated beverages) which will replace fluids and provide energy.  If contractions are closer than every 5 minutes, have only sips of water or ice chips.  During this whole time you should try to urinate often.

REMEMBER—RELAX!!