1. Signs of Labor
Unit 3
Chapter 11

2. Journal

3. Bell Ringer March 28, 2011
What do you think labor will be like?

6. Signs of Labor How do you know when a baby is about to be born? Labor:
Process of giving birth

7. Signs Lightening Effacement Dilate
The baby drops lower into the pelvis
Can happen a few weeks or right before
Effacement
Cervix, or lower part of the uterus becomes thinner
Last few weeks
Dilate
Widening of the cervix
Doctor will notice during check ups

8. Signs The “show” Water breaking Contractions Pinkish discharge
Loosening of the mucus plug that seals the cervix
Water breaking
Amniotic sac ruptures
Most of the time labor starts without the water breaking
Contractions
Tightening of the uterus muscles followed by a relaxation of the muscles
video

9. False Labor Braxton Hicks Contractions How do you tell the difference?
Mild and painless contractions
False labor contractions
How do you tell the difference?
Irregular
False labor contractions do not become stronger or more frequent
Contractions stop if you walk around or shift position
Begin in the lower abdomen
video