Is This Labor?

A. How to time contractions

There is a lot of mixed writings about how to time your contractions, the easiest to remember is that as soon as you start feeling them, start timing them, write down how much time it takes from the start of one contraction, to the start of another. Make a note as well for how strong they feel and where( eg. back, front, radiating around the whole abdomen), and keep the record for at least an hour to determine and see if there is a trend. We are looking for them to slowly get shorter apart for eg. from 20 mins between contractions to 5 mins, getting longer in strength from 30 second to 75 seconds or more, and the pain level to go from barely felt, to tolerable, to where you need to focus or need meds (what ever might be in your birth plan). once this is established keep in mind that you won't be pushing within the hour, we are just looking for a trend in that direction.

B. What pattern are you looking for

As stated above we are looking for a trend, or a pattern, to know if this is true labor or if it is just your body warming up for the real thing, and much of it can be determined based on this pattern.

ie. Longer, stronger, closer together

A "longer, stronger, closer together" pattern typically refers to the progression of contractions during labor, meaning that as labor progresses, contractions become longer in duration, more intense in strength, and occur closer together in time, indicating that the little one is moving closer to delivery. what this means is :

When contractions follow this pattern, it signifies that active labor is underway and your cervix is dilating.

If contractions are not getting longer, stronger, and closer together, it may indicate that labor is not progressing as expected or has stalled.

C. When should you call your provider

You should call your healthcare provider during labor when you are experiencing regular, strong contractions that are occurring every 5 minutes or less, lasting for at least a minute, or if your water breaks, regardless of the strength of contractions; you should also contact them if you have any concerns about your little one's movement, or if you experience significant vaginal bleeding.

Key points to call your provider about during labor:

• Regular contractions: When contractions are consistently occurring at a predictable interval, like every 5 minutes or less, and are becoming stronger.

• Water breaking: If your water breaks, even without strong contractions.

• Heavy bleeding: Any significant vaginal bleeding beyond a small amount of "bloody show".

• Decreased fetal movement: If you notice a significant drop in your little one's movements.

• Severe pain: If you are experiencing extreme pain that is difficult to manage.

• Concerns about labor progression: If you are worried about how your labor is progressing or have any questions.

D. When should you consider moving to your birth location

You should consider moving to your birth location during labor when your contractions are regular, occurring every 5 minutes or less, lasting at least 45 seconds each, and are becoming increasingly strong and uncomfortable, especially if you are a first-time mother; if you live far away, you may need to go even earlier when contractions are every 10 minutes; always consult your healthcare provider for specific guidance based on your situation.

Key points to consider:

• Contraction pattern:

Regular contractions that are getting closer together and stronger, lasting at least 45 seconds each, are a good indicator to head to your birth location.

• First-time mother vs. subsequent births:

  If it's your first baby, you may need to go to the hospital earlier than if you've had children before.

• Distance from the birth location:

  If you live far away, it's recommended to leave earlier to ensure you arrive before the most intense part of labor.

• Water breaking:

  If your water breaks, go to the hospital immediately regardless of contraction intensity.

• Bleeding:

If you experience significant bleeding, contact your healthcare provider immediately.

If you live more than 30 minutes away, you should head to the hospital or birthing center when your contractions occur every ten minutes. Your water has broken (your membrane has ruptured) You are losing blood. You no longer feel your little one move (see Lack of baby movement after 26 weeks).