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Pregnancy: Signs and Symptoms of Labor and Delivery
As you approach the final weeks of pregnancy, it is completely natural to wonder, “How will I know when I am in labor?” For many expectant parents, the uncertainty can feel both exciting and overwhelming. Understanding the signs and symptoms of labor can help you feel more confident and prepared when the time arrives.
At Women’s Health Associates in Overland Park and Leawood, KS, we want you to feel informed, supported, and ready for delivery. Knowing what to expect, what is normal, and when to go to Labor and Delivery can make all the difference in those final weeks.
If you are 37 weeks pregnant or more and experiencing signs of labor, you should go to your designated birth center Labor and Delivery unit to be evaluated.
Understanding the Final Weeks of Pregnancy
A full-term pregnancy is considered 37 weeks or later. Once you reach this milestone, your body and your baby are preparing for birth. Some changes happen gradually over days or weeks, while others can feel sudden.
As Heidi Peck, RPA-C, often explains to patients, “Your body begins preparing for labor well before contractions start. Paying attention to those early changes helps you know when active labor may be beginning.”
It is important to remember that every pregnancy and every labor experience is different. Some women have clear, unmistakable signs. Others experience more subtle changes at first.
Early Signs That Labor May Be Approaching
In the days or weeks leading up to labor, you may notice several physical changes.
Lightening
You may feel your baby “drop” lower into your pelvis. This can make breathing feel easier but may increase pelvic pressure and the need to urinate more frequently.
Increased Vaginal Discharge or Mucus Plug Loss
You may notice thicker discharge or the passage of the mucus plug. This can appear clear, pink, or slightly blood-tinged. While losing the mucus plug can be a sign that labor is approaching, it does not necessarily mean labor will begin immediately.
More Frequent Braxton Hicks Contractions
Practice contractions may become more noticeable. Unlike true labor contractions, Braxton Hicks are usually irregular, do not steadily increase in intensity, and often improve with rest or hydration.
These early changes indicate that your body is preparing, but they do not always mean it is time to head to the hospital just yet.
True Labor: What It Feels Like
True labor contractions have specific characteristics that distinguish them from practice contractions.
Labor contractions:
- Occur at regular intervals
- Gradually become closer together
- Increase in strength and intensity
- Last longer over time
- Continue even if you change positions or rest
Many patients describe true contractions as strong menstrual cramps that intensify and radiate to the lower back or abdomen. As labor progresses, contractions become more difficult to talk through.
A helpful guideline many providers use is the 5-1-1 rule:
- Contractions are 5 minutes apart
- Last 1 minute each
- Continue consistently for at least 1 hour
If you are 37 weeks or more and experiencing regular contractions that follow this pattern, you should go to Labor and Delivery to be evaluated.
When Your Water Breaks
Another common question is how you will know if your water has broken.
Rupture of membranes may feel like:
- A sudden gush of fluid
- A steady trickle
- Ongoing leakage that you cannot control
The fluid is usually clear or pale in color and odorless. If your water breaks at 37 weeks or later, even if contractions have not started, you should go directly to your birth center’s Labor and Delivery unit for evaluation.
If the fluid appears green, brown, or has a strong odor, you should seek care immediately.
Other Signs You Should Go to Labor and Delivery
In addition to regular contractions or your water breaking, you should head to Labor and Delivery if you experience:
- Decreased fetal movement
- Vaginal bleeding heavier than spotting
- Severe abdominal pain
- Persistent headache, visual changes, or swelling
- A feeling that something is not right
Trusting your instincts is important. If you are unsure whether you are in labor, it is always appropriate to call your provider or go to the hospital for evaluation.
As Heidi Peck, RPA-C reassures patients, “If you think you might be in labor, we would always rather evaluate you and confirm than have you stay home worried.”
What Happens When You Arrive at Labor and Delivery
When you arrive at your birth center’s Labor and Delivery unit, the team will assess both you and your baby.
Evaluation typically includes:
- Monitoring your baby’s heart rate
- Checking contraction patterns
- Assessing cervical dilation
- Evaluating your overall well-being
If you are in active labor, you will be admitted and supported through the delivery process. If labor is still early, you may be monitored for a period of time before going home with instructions.
Being evaluated does not mean you have done anything wrong. It simply ensures the safest care for you and your baby.
Preparing for Labor After 37 Weeks
Once you reach 37 weeks, it is wise to be prepared. Consider:
- Keeping your hospital bag packed
- Having transportation arranged
- Installing your car seat
- Reviewing your birth plan
- Knowing the route to your birth center
Preparation helps reduce stress and allows you to focus on your body when labor begins.
Every Labor Is Unique
No two labors look exactly alike. Some begin gradually over hours. Others progress quickly. Some start with contractions. Others begin with rupture of membranes.
What matters most is recognizing the signs of true labor and knowing when to seek care. If you are 37 weeks pregnant or more and experiencing regular contractions, rupture of membranes, or concerning symptoms, go to your designated birth center Labor and Delivery unit to be evaluated.
At Women’s Health Associates in Overland Park and Leawood, our team is honored to walk alongside you during pregnancy, labor, and delivery. We are committed to ensuring you feel supported, informed, and safe as you prepare to meet your baby.
Questions About Labor and Delivery?
If you are nearing your due date and have questions about signs of labor, what to expect, or when to go to the hospital, call 913-677-3113 to speak with a nurse or schedule an appointment at one of our two convenient locations. We are honored to support you through every stage of your pregnancy journey.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Please consult your healthcare provider for personalized recommendations.