1. Signs of Labor

2. Baby Movement
Around month 8 or 9, the babies head will drop into the woman’s pelvis

3. Effacement Effacing Cervix starts out 4 cm long
Cervix softening or thinning
Cervix starts out 4 cm long
50% effaced = 2 cm long
Must be 100% effaced or thinned out before delivery

4. Dilation Opening of the cervix
Some women may be dilated 2-3 cm months before labor
Must be 10 cm for baby to come out

5. Bloody Show
During pregnancy, a thick mucus plug blocks cervix to prevent bacteria from entering uterus
When the cervix begins to thin, the mucus falls out
Typically brown
Sign of labor, but still may be days or weeks away

6. Nesting Sudden urge to plan and clean for babies arrival
Big surge of energy

7. Water Breaking Amniotic sac leaks or breaks to start out labor
The longer it takes for labor to start after the water breaks, the greater the risk of infection
Women must document COAT
Color, odor, appearance, time

8. Contractions Are contractions regular? How long do they last?
Can you stop them?
If labor is beginning, contractions become longer, stronger, and in shorter intervals.

9. http://www. babycenter. com/2_inside-pregnancy-labor-and-birth_3658872