To know if you are having contractions, pay attention to the following signs:
- Contractions feel like tightening or cramping of your whole uterus and usually start in the back and move to the front of your abdomen.
- True labor contractions get stronger, more painful, and more regular over time, occurring about every 5 to 10 minutes and lasting around 30 to 70 seconds.
- The contractions cause pain in your lower back and belly, and the pain does not go away when you move or change positions.
- Contractions come at regular intervals and get closer together, unlike false labor contractions which are irregular and may stop with movement or hydration.
- You may feel your abdomen hardening during a contraction.
- Other signs of labor include pink or blood-streaked vaginal discharge (bloody show), your water breaking (a gush or trickle of fluid from the vagina), and an urge to push as the baby's head presses down.
If contractions are regular, strong, closer together, and last about a minute, it is likely you are in true labor and should contact your healthcare provider for guidance.