How Can You Recognize Labor?
- Uterine contractions that occur every 10 minutes or more frequently (six or more in one hour). These contractions don’t have to hurt.
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- Menstrual-like cramps felt in the lower abdomen: may come and go or be constant
- Dull, lower backache felt below the waistline: may come and go or be constant
- Pelvic pressure that feels like the baby is pushing down. Pressure comes and goes.
- Ruptured membrane. A small leak or gush of fluid from the vagina. Call your provider 330-493-0313 and be prepared to go directly to the hospital.
- Mucus plug, or thick mucus discharge, usually pink-tinged.
TRUE LABOR | FALSE LABOR |
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Call the doctor immediately if you have any of these signs of labor before your 37th week of pregnancy.
330-493-0313
Whether or not you have experienced labor before, it can be hard to know where true labor has started. If you think you are in true labor, call your doctor or come to the hospital as directed. Vaginal exams can be done to measure changes in the cervix which show the progress of labor. If you are in labor, you will be admitted to the hospital. If you are not in labor, you may be sent home. Try not to be discouraged; “false alarms” are common.
From L to R
(Back)
Randall Starcher, MD
Jason Hoppe, DO
Megan Staub, MD
(Front)
Diane Kreitzer, NP
Julianne Yang Kar, MD
Sunitha Jagadish, MD
Melissa Vassas, DO
Eldy Lazaroff, NP