True Labor Symptoms

If you are pregnant, one of your first concerns might be what labor and delivery are like. Here is the some true labor

This information will help answer the most common questions about true labor symptoms.

Spotting 

This red flag usually occurs during 37 to 40 weeks of gestation. If spotting is present you should call the office of FirstChoice ObGyn, LLC at 201-441-9300 and make an appointment so that you and Dr. Copur can consider the next step. However, if a large amount of blood is present, this may be a sign of complication with your pregnancy and should be addressed immediately with the most recent available appointment. If the office is closed during the time of your emergency, any pregnant patient who is 16 weeks or less into their gestation will go to the Emergency Room and any patient who is greater than 16 weeks into their gestation will see their way to the Labor & Delivery Department. 

Yellow Vaginal Discharge 

Discharge is considered the fluid that is expelled from the vagina to carry away bacteria that may cause infection. In this case, your pregnant and let’s face it with all the hormonal changes going on in your body you are very prone to strange things growing; like bacteria for example. The presence of pinkish/brownish discharge is one way of knowing your vagina is doing it’s job to keep you and your baby safe from infection. It could also mean the first sign of infection. For this case you would want to make an appointment with Dr. Copur, and if necessary, a specimen will be collected from the vagina to analyze for any growing culture of bacteria that needs to be treated. 

 Losing Mucus Plug  

Also known as “the bloody show”, this ring of mucus protection will drop from the cervical opening usually with just a short time frame away from the beginning of your labor. This mucus plug is stationed at the cervical opening to protect your baby from bad bacteria and ultimately from infection.  You can differentiate this mucus plug from regular discharge because it will be very thick and compact. Perhaps get the hospital bags ready because labor and delivery could be just a short 72 hours away. 

 Amniotic Sac Ruptures 

Everyone knows that if your water breaks, your baby is just minutes away from coming into this world. Well, that’s not always the case. After your water breaking labor can take up to 12 hours or more before actually delivering your little bundle of joy. It is however important that you report to the hospital as soon as possible to prepare for labor. Leaving your baby exposed with no amniotic fluid to protect him or her increases the risk of infection. 

 Thinning and Dilating Cervix 

Your cervix will go from 3-4 centimeters to 10 full centimeters. The doctor will do a vaginal exam to estimate the length of your dilating cervix and feel the thinning of your cervix as well. This stretching, thinning, and dilating are preparations your cervix needs to fulfill in order to move to the next step which is labor. 

 True Contractions VS Braxton Hicks 

Braxton Hicks contractions are known for their pranks. If your contractions aren’t happening every 10 minutes, for a continuous amount of time despite your physical activity, then they’re most likely Braxton Hicks. “True” contractions are continuous and will remain during and after labor. False runs to the hospital are not to be shunned. There’s no shame in practicing. 

Preterm Labor 

If you’re less than 37 weeks and are experiencing any early signs of labor than report to Labor and Delivery