signs of labor...

Towards the end of pregnancy I have practice contractions that are similar to medium tightenings over my bump. At the start of my labors the contractions are strong and come so many minutes apart. I managed to go a whole day with mild tummy and back pain with my first baby. Then at 10 that evening the contractions became strong and ten minutes apart. With my second baby my contractions were mild and two minutes apart. I had a very quick and easy labor that time. When I had my third baby I didn't know if I was in labor because my contractions were all over the place in timing. All morning I had mild contractions then at 11 in the morning they got stronger. By 1 in the afternoon I was having a lot of painful contractions. Then my baby girl was born. Stage 1 of labor is the contractions. That is the body opening to 10cm. Stage 2 of the labor is challenging for the body wishes to push and there is much power. Stage 3 is pushing the baby out. Stage 4 is getting the placenta out. Good luck with your baby's birth.

There will be increasing intensity of pain that usually occurs every 3 to five minutes. The bag of water may also rupture and if this happens early, you should go to the hospital. There will be bloody discharge also.

first one, I had contractions about 7 min apart, wasnt sure it was labor or not...got home took a shower by then I knew they were 5 min apart and extremely painful!! Got to hospital got an epidural labored painlessly for about 12 hours, then he came =) second one, was a bit nauseous that day...but otherwise all was normal. Then when I laid down for bed I had a 10 min contraction, yes, 10 minutes...very painful!! Rushed to hospital to find when I got there I was 8 cm dilated...after about 10 minutes of intense pain, she was here! third one, hubby and I got up and just started cleaning one night.. lol no word to the other just started sweeping mopping, etc. I bent over to pick up the dustpan and felt like a peed a little on myself. thought it was weird... went on cleaning happened again...So, I called the doc, went to hospital sure enough my water was leaking, they gave me pitocin to induce labor and an epidural, the epidural kicked in faster than pitocin, so I felt absolutely no pain whatsoever.. Best one ever! (lol) Due with number 4 soon, so we'll see!! But yes when they say everyone is different that is very true!! lol!