December 01, 2006

Waiting for labor to begin can be a time of excitement and anticipation for everyone. But, you may also feel exhausted from restless sleep and carrying your growing baby with you all day, a little anxious, wondering what to expect and impatient for pregnancy to end, to finally meet your new baby. Due to the intricate mom and baby systems that must work in harmony, some not yet understood, healthy term babies are born between 37 and 42 weeks of pregnancy. Even if you are just past your due date, try to remember that your baby is not yet ready to be born and trust that labor will soon begin.

As you wait for labor to begin, be sure to ask your doctor or midwife when and where to call him/her if you think labor has begun. Ask your care provider how far apart your contractions should be when it is time to call. To know how to time contractions, jot down the time each contraction begins and count the number of minutes between the start of each contraction. That number tells you how far apart your contractions are.

If you think labor has begun, ask yourself these questions:

• Is my bag of waters leaking or did it break?
• Is there any bleeding from the vagina?

If you answered yes to the above questions, call your doctor or midwife now.

• Are my contractions occurring regularly and how many minutes apart are they?
• Are my contractions getting closer?
• Are my contractions lasting longer than they did an hour ago? (For example, started out 30 seconds long, now lasting 45 seconds.)
• Are my contractions getting stronger?
• When I walk or change positions, do my contractions feel stronger?
• Do my contractions continue even when lying down or resting?

If you answered “Yes” to most of these questions, you may be in labor. If you are not in the last four weeks of your pregnancy, call your doctor or midwife immediately. They may be able to stop your early labor. If you are in your last 4 weeks and beyond, continue to time your contractions, review when to call your care provider and call as directed.

If you answered “No” to most of these questions, you may be experiencing practice contractions which may stop or get farther apart. These will eventually stop or may be the signs of early labor, only time will tell.

If you are uncertain and you have any questions or concerns, do not hesitate to call your doctor or midwife. A simple phone call may calm your fears and assure you that all is well. If you and your care provider determine the time has come, gather your packed bags and head for the hospital, “Birth Day” may be here! Rest assured, the time will come. And before long, you will be looking at your beautiful baby in your arms, proudly sharing him or her with family and friends as you begin the incredible journey into parenthood!