Cardinal Signs of Labor
So there’s actually very few CARDINAL signs of labor. I’m not talking about losing your mucous plug or intensifying Braxton Hicks contraction (hello prodromal labor), I’m talking about the “oh my god, this is actually labor, I’m meeting my baby soon” signs.
And as much as I hate to say it, the only really sign is a baby being born 😂 I’m just kidding….but no really.
It’s an even better sign of “actual” labor when all three of these signs are combined. But these are the 3 cardinal signs of labor that I go off of. Some birth workers, midwives, and/or medical professionals may include other signs and what not, but when at least 2 out of these 3 signs are present, it’s a damn good sign that labor is happening and I need to make sure my shit is together 😉
signs.
Waters Releasing
This as the first sign of labor, only happens in about 10% of ALL labors. It’s rarely the first sign that labor is beginning but it does happen. Sometimes it a big gush like you see in the movies, other times it’s more of a pop with a smaller gush, sometimes it’s just a slight trickle from a tear in the fore bag, and sometimes people don’t even realize that their water is leaking or has been.
Amniotic fluid should be clear and smell slightly sweet. If it’s stained with any color (green, brown, or black) phone your medical provider. However, if all is good, your waters releasing don’t mean you need to rush to the hospital if that’s where you’re birthing as over 90% of labors begin within 24 hours of your waters releasing.
Surges Increasing in Strength and Duration.
This can sometimes be a tricky one when someone has had prodromal labor. Is it just prodromal labor again? Are they increasing in strength but not duration? What are they actually doing? Many times prodromal labor begins int he evening when we’re the most relaxed, and then ends in the morning, so come morning time if things fizzle out, it’s a good chance it was prodromal labor and you’re still waiting on those cervical changing surges to begin.
Sometimes we just don’t know though, and the other times it’s blatantly obvious that “no, these are definitely the real deal.”
Cervical Dilation.
Even though people can walk around at 6/7 cm dilated and not be in labor, this is still a good sign that yes, those contractions you’re having are actually real contractions and you’re ACTUALLY in labor.
Surges need to be at least 1 minute long to create cervical change. So if your surges are only lasting 30-45 seconds, many times, cervical change will be minimal, if anything at all (so it could be considered prodromal labor or even very very early labor).
All three of those.
Without a baby in your arms, the best signs are seriously at least 2 of the previous 3 I’ve mentioned. It can be so frustrating and and even demoralizing some times when there aren’t any clear answers to whether or not “IT’S” actually happening.
Patience is key here. And as often as it’s not someone’s forte (me included when it comes to my personal life 🙋🏼♀️😂) this is one of those times where trusting your baby and your body is key. There is a process to the madness, and leaning into that and trusting that your baby will born exactly when they’re supposed to be, is crucial.
Allow things to unfold as they need to. When we’re not trying to rush the process, beautiful things happen 💕