A client asks her doula how she will know when she is really in labor. The doula's BEST response is:

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The only way to know that labor is actually underway is to have contractions that get longer, more intense, and closer over time. For some women, this process begins with rupture of the amniotic sac, while for others their water breaks later in labor. If the bag of waters breaks and no contractions start within 24 hours, most healthcare providers will suggest induction. Other signs that labor is near but not underway include losing the mucous plug, nesting, increased backache, cramping, flu-like symptoms, irritability/mood swings, and an increase in the frequency of Braxton-Hicks contractions. Healthcare providers typically do vaginal exams in the last weeks of pregnancy to assess the cervix. While the cervix sometimes does begin to open and thin before the onset of labor, exciting many moms into thinking labor is starting, regular, progressing contractions are needed to complete the process and can take a few days to a few weeks to start.

A Client Asks Her Doula How She Will Know When