Early Labor

Signs at a Glance Excited Mucus plug/Bloody Show Diarrhea Contractions: 10 minutes apart or less 45-60 seconds pressure or cramping

After a few hours, days or weeks of pre-labor contractions, your body will begin to have rhythmic contractions that seem "different" to you. After a few hours you may realize that the contractions are becoming longer and stronger, and they are happening closer together. These are all signs that you have moved from pre-labor into early labor.

In early labor, most women feel excited. The wonder "could this be it?" At the same time, their behavior displays this nervous excitement. Some women find that they feel restless, a little hungry and want to talk to someone.

Many women find that this is when they experience Bloody Show and Lose their Mucus Plug. You may also experience a runny nose and an increased need to urinate. Your body will empty itself through several bowel movements that seem like a mild diarrhea.

At this point contractions are generally less than 10 minutes apart and last 45-60 seconds long. Contractions will get stronger, closer together and longer with time. These contractions may be moderate to strong, and might feel like pressure in the pelvis, menstrual cramping or a dull backache. At this point, most women are more comfortable moving through their contractions.

You May Also Be Interested In: Learn what normal labor is like. Practice your new labor skills with virtual labor. The Natural Childbirth Directory can help you find more information about birth and locate childbirth professionals. The Coach's Notebook helps you learn tools and techniques to manage labor. Finding out how a homebirth is different.

© Copyright 2000-2008 Jennifer VanderLaan and Birthing Naturally

Home | Site Index | Disclaimer | Contact