Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Infertility
901 East Cheves Street, Suite 200
Florence, SC 29506
843 662-2299
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| How to Know if You are in Labor |
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Signs and Symptoms of Labor at Term
If you are not yet 36 weeks, click here. Labor is defined as frequent uterine contractions associated with changes of the cervix. Uterine contractions are often referred to as labor pains. Contractions are often perceived as ?my baby is balling up? or as menstrual cramps. During a contraction the uterus becomes very firm. Contractions generally last approximately 1 minute. Contractions may be felt in the abdomen, low back, lower abdomen, and possibly as vaginal pressure.
The cervix is the lower part of the uterus which opens during labor to allow the baby to pass through the vagina to the outside. During labor, the cervix opens (dilates) and thins (effaces). Labor is divided into latent phase labor and active phase labor. During latent phase labor, the cervix dilates and effaces occurs slowly. During the active phase of labor, the cervix dilates and effaces much more rapidly. We generally admit women to the hospital when they are in active labor. It is not unusual for women in labor to have some vaginal spotting mixed with mucus referred to as bloody show. It is not normal for one to have heavy vaginal bleeding associated with clotting during labor. If this happens, the patient should proceed immediately to labor and delivery.
Pre-born babies should continue to move frequently even during the last weeks of pregnancy. Babies continue to move even during labor. If a pregnancy woman notices a marked decrease in the baby?s activity, she should either perform fetal kick counts or go to labor and delivery for further evaluation. When the membranes have ruptured, bacteria can then reach the fetal membranes, placenta, and baby. Rupture of membranes can precede labor. Therefore, when the membranes rupture, women should go to labor and delivery for evaluation. She should not wait until labor starts.
Unfortunately, labor pains do not always mean that a woman is in labor. Women can have frequent contractions without changes in the cervix. This is called false labor. Also, women in latent phase labor may be more comfortable at home rather than in the hospital. In some instances, we will give medications to slow contractions and allow rest.
We recommend that women come to labor and delivery when their contractions are approximately 5 minutes apart. For first-time mothers, we would recommend that they watch their contractions for approximately one or two hours to insure that the contractions are not going to stop.
Our patients do not need to call the physician on call if they think that they're in labor. They may proceed to labor and delivery. A labor and delivery nurse will then assess the patient with a vaginal examination, vital signs, and fetal monitoring. The nurses will then contact the physician who is on call for our practice. A decision will then be made as to whether admission to labor and delivery is necessary.
If a patient has questions about whether she should go into the hospital or not, she should call the physician on call by contacting our answering service after hours or by calling the office during office hours. The physician may be reached at 843 662-2299. The patient may also call labor and delivery and speak with a labor and delivery nurse. If the patient will be delivering at McLeod Regional Medical Center, she may call 843 777-8450. If the patient will be delivering at Carolinas Medical Center, she may call the Women's Center at 843 674-4610.
Generally, private transportation is satisfactory for most women in labor. If a woman feels that she will deliver her baby prior to arriving at the hospital or if there is an emergency such as heavy vaginal bleeding, severe pain, fetal parts protruding from the vagina or possible umbilical cord protruding from the vagina, then the patient should immediately call 911.
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