How can I tell real from false contractions?
False (Braxton-Hicks) contractions are usually painless or mild, short and irregular, and don't get stronger. Real labor contractions come regularly and get closer together, longer and stronger. Call your doctor when contractions start coming every 5 minutes or more often. If your water breaks, you're bleeding, your baby is moving less, or you have regular contractions before week 37, go to the hospital without waiting.
How will I know labor has started?
Contractions that come regularly and get closer together, longer and stronger are the most important sign. A pink or bloody, jelly-like discharge of mucus (the bloody show), backache or heaviness in your lower back, the urge to go to the toilet and your water breaking can also mean labor has started. If you're not sure or you're worried, call your doctor or the hospital where you plan to give birth.
What should I do if my water breaks?
Your water can break in a sudden gush or as a constant trickle. Use a pad, not a tampon, and call your doctor or the hospital right away, even if contractions haven't started. If the fluid is green, brown or smells bad, is bloody, or it happens before week 37, go to the hospital without waiting. Let them know right away, too, if you develop a fever after your water breaks.
Is vaginal birth or a cesarean better?
If there's no reason against it for you or your baby, vaginal birth is usually the recommended route, and recovery is quicker. A cesarean can be lifesaving when the baby is breech, the placenta is low-lying, there's preeclampsia or labor doesn't progress, but it's major surgery and takes longer to recover from. Talk to your doctor early about your preferences and concerns, and decide together.
When should I go to the hospital without waiting?
Call your doctor or the hospital when contractions come every 5 minutes or more often. If your water has broken, you're bleeding, your baby is moving less than usual, regular contractions have started before week 37, a contraction lasts longer than 2 minutes or you have 6 or more contractions in 10 minutes, go without waiting. If the baby seems to be coming and you feel the urge to push, call your local emergency number.
What are the signs of preterm labor?
Labor that starts before week 37 is called preterm labor. Regular contractions or tightening of your bump, period-like pain, fluid leaking or trickling from your vagina and backache that feels unusual for you can be signs. Even if you're not sure, call your doctor or the hospital right away.
How is my due date calculated, and what happens if I go past it?
Your estimated due date is calculated by adding 40 weeks (280 days) to the first day of your last period; an ultrasound scan in the early months gives a more accurate estimate. It's only an estimate: a birth from 37 completed weeks (37+0) is early term, from 39+0 full term, from 41+0 late term and from 42+0 post-term. If labor hasn't started by 41 completed weeks, your doctor will usually discuss inducing labor or more frequent monitoring.
I've had a cesarean before. Can I have a vaginal birth?
Having had a cesarean doesn't mean your later births must be cesareans too. Many women can safely try for a vaginal birth after a cesarean; this needs closer monitoring during labor. Whether it's right for you depends on why you had the previous operation and how this pregnancy is going, so talk to your doctor about it early.
Does an epidural harm the baby?
An epidural is given through a thin tube (catheter) placed in your lower back and greatly reduces labor pain. When given correctly, it isn't considered harmful to the baby, and the baby's heartbeat is monitored throughout. It can make the pushing stage longer and increase the need for a vacuum or forceps; it doesn't cause permanent back pain, though you may feel sore for a day or two. Talk through your options with your doctor beforehand.
Meyu is an information and tracking tool; it does not replace medical diagnosis or treatment.