Articles
Signs of labor: Know what to expect
Effacement: Thinning of the cervix
Dilation: Opening of the cervix
Increase in vaginal discharge
Nesting: Spurt of energy
Rupture of membranes: Your water breaks
Contractions: When labor pains begin
Content
Thinning of the cervix
Opening of the cervix
Increasing vaginal discharge
Feeling the baby has dropped lower
Water breaking
Contractions
Expect false alarms
Dilation: Opening of the cervix
Increase in vaginal discharge
Nesting: Spurt of energy
Rupture of membranes: Your water breaks
Contractions: When labor pains begin
Content
Thinning of the cervix
Opening of the cervix
Increasing vaginal discharge
Feeling the baby has dropped lower
Water breaking
Contractions
Expect false alarms
Content
In the movies, babies often are born quickly and in dramatic fashion. A pregnant person doubles over from the pain of a single contraction, and suddenly a baby appears. In reality, however, labor usually takes time. And the early signs of labor may not be obvious. Here's what to know about the common signs of the body getting ready for labor.
