How will I know when I am in Labour?

This is probably one of the questions that features at the top of a pregnant mum's list and is one that I am asked at least once within the first class of each series. False labour can be very convincing sometimes. There are a number of ways we can distinguish true labour from false labour.


TRUE LABOUR is characterised by the following:
* Contractions that are regular
* Contractions that get stronger and longer
* Walking or squatting increases the intensity of the contractions
* Contractions that get closer together
* Pain that usually starts in the back and moves to the front
* Sleep or sedation does not stop the contractions
* The cervix effaces (softens) and dilates (opens)
* There is descent of the baby or change in station (the baby begins to move into the pelvis)

FALSE LABOUR can be recognised by the following:
* Contractions that are irregular
* Contractions that stay the same intensity
* Walking slows the contractions
* Contractions that stay the same distance apart
* Pain that usually starts in the front and moves to the back
* Contractions disappear with sleep
* The cervix does not dilate (open)
* There is no change in station (there is no descent of the baby into the pelvis)

Although this provides a useful guide, it is important to remember that every labour is different. Some women do not experience pain that begins in the back and moves to the front in true labour. Some women have a very short period of non-progressing contractions that rapidly becomes a precipitous (quick) labour. It is better to err on the side of caution.

In my opinion there is no harm in calling your caregiver in any situation where you are unsure. The worst that can happen is that it is a false alarm and I can PROMISE you, your caregiver is used to those!

Kerry