Signs & Stages of Labor There are three stages of labor. The first stage is the physical signs of labor such as the water breaking. The second stage is when the cervix is fully dilated and the baby is delivered. The third is the complete delivery of your placenta, sometimes referred to as the afterbirth. Pre-Labor Signs As your body is preparing for labor, there are a few things that should be expected to happen within four to six weeks of labor. Pressure on the pelvic area Heavy, brownish discharge Energy level is noticeably increasing or decreasing Loss of the mucus plug (which protects uterus through pregnancy) Braxton Hicks contractions (false labor) Movement of the baby into the pelvis False Labor There are a few signs that indicate false labor; they are the following: The timing of the contractions are irregular and do not become more frequent Contractions stop during rest, stopping what the mother is doing, walking, or changing position Inconsistent in strength (strong one moment, weak the next) Location of pain is in the front only False labor can sometimes be referred to as “Braxton Hicks�? Braxton Hicks sometimes feels like menstrual cramping, or tightening of the uterus. These contractions are usually very irregular, and not quite as painful True Labor True labor includes the following: Pain in the lower back, radiating towards the front abdomen, possibly also the legs Contractions increase in strength and are closer together; coming now on a regular basis, 30 to 70 seconds apart The mucous plug is detached, showing bloody discharge The water breaks (Sometimes the water does not break until the doctor does it). When this happens, contractions become much stronger Some women have the sudden need to go to the bathroom. Diarrhea is very common Contractions continue despite movement The cervix is thinning and dilating.     Sources: “How to Tell When Labor Begins,�?The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. 1999. The information contained on this site is for educational purposes only and is not meant for diagnosis or treatment. Any information found on this site should be discussed with a health care professional. Use of this information should be done in accordance with the health care plan outlined by your health care professional. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor. This info came from www.thehelpline.com