Signs of Labor

How to tell when labor begins at term

(37+ weeks) and your last month of pregnancy instructions

During your last three months of pregnancy, you may feel the uterus contract more frequently and stronger than it did before.  These contractions are usually irregular and very normal.

When you do begin labor, the contractions will generally come in intermittent REGULAR intervals at anywhere from 5 to 15 minutes apart, and they may last from 30-60 seconds apiece.  Your abdomen will become firm during the contractions, and the force of the contraction may cause some vaginal pressure.  The symptoms of labor may start out relatively mild and include low back or pelvic pain, cramping similar to menstrual cramps, but occurring on a REGULAR and PERSISTENT basis.

As the cervix begins to soften and open, pink or red blood-tinged mucous may be pushed down the vagina and come out.  This is called bloody show. 

Generally, the bag of water (amniotic fluid) which surrounds the fetus does not break until you are well along in labor.  However, it can break early in labor, or even before labor begins, allowing clear, thin fluid to leak or gush out.

Go directly to Labor and Delivery at North Kansas City Hospital if:

• You have continued clear vaginal fluid leaking, or a gush of fluid vaginally
• You have bright red vaginal bleeding
• Notice a marked decrease in fetal movement
• Regular, strong contractions:
  • Every 5-10 minutes, lasting 30-60 seconds each continued for 1-2 hours or
  • requiring pain medicine or
  • with increasing rectal pressure

For questions:  During office hours, you can call the office at (816) 468-7800. 

After hours, our 24 hour answering service will answer all emergency calls and contact the on-call physician.  If you can’t get through, contact Labor and Delivery at North Kansas City Hospital at (816) 691-2000.