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Movies and television shows often depict the moment a woman goes into labor as being defined by a single, decisive event. “My water just broke!” screams the actress as she grabs her overnight bag and rushes for the door. In real life, knowing you are in labor is not always that evident. Several signs and symptoms may indicate your new baby is on the way—but there are also several false signs of labor that many women misinterpret. Familiarize yourself with the following real and false signs of labor so that you can feel confident you will know when the special moment has finally arrived.

Signs of Labor

1. The Baby Drops. When this movement occurs, you will have a feeling as though the baby has moved to a lower position within your pelvis (making it easier for you to breathe, but also putting more pressure on your bladder) as the baby moves into a head-down position to prepare for birth. Understand, however, that this movement may occur anywhere from a few weeks, to a few hours before you officially go into labor.
2. Lower Back Pain and Cramping. When contractions begin, you may feel increasing pressure in your pelvis and rectal areas, as well as a dull ache in your lower back.
3. Strong, Regular Contractions. One of the most common questions for first-time moms is how to identify a real contraction. When your baby is preparing for birth, you will feel regular, rhythmic, and intense muscle contractions that become less than five minutes apart for more than an hour or two. You may sense the contractions first in your back, and then in your belly. Real labor contractions feel as though your abdomen suddenly becomes hard, and then relaxes.
4. Bloody Vaginal Discharge. Known as “bloody show,” you may notice an increase in pink, brown, or bloody vaginal discharge as labor begins, or even a few days prior. This labor symptom occurs when the mucous plug that blocks your cervix loosens, and your cervix begins to dilate in preparation for labor.
5. Nausea or Diarrhea. Some women report vomiting at the start of labor or experiencing diarrhea.
6. Your Water Breaks. While not always as dramatic as it appears in the movies, you may experience the sensation of your water breaking. When this occurs, the protective sac of amniotic fluid that surrounds your baby ruptures. While some women feel a quick rush of liquid, others report they only notice a slow trickle. Your water may break days before real labor begins, during labor, or may need to be broken by your OBGYN, so don’t plan to use this as your final indicator that it’s time to call your doctor.

Signs of False Labor

To ease your nerves about what to expect when you are (imminently) expecting, familiarize yourself with the following common signs of false labor.

• Braxton Hicks (“False Labor”) Contractions, occur at irregular time intervals, do not get closer together, are felt in the lower abdomen, and are weak as compared to true labor contractions. Real labor contractions initially last more than 30 seconds and progress to up to 60 seconds.
• Abdominal cramping that goes away if you change positions, move around or lay down.
• A generalized feeling of abdominal tightening or cramping in the lower abdomen and groin that does not radiate into your entire abdomen and lower back.
• Lack of bloody show.
• Leaking urine—not amniotic fluid.

When to Call Your OBGYN

If you think you may be in labor—especially if you are a first-time Mom, call your OBGYN. Even if you are expecting baby two or three, your labor symptoms may vary. Your OBGYN can help you interpret your symptoms and decide if it is time to prepare for your baby’s arrival officially.