how to know when I'm in labor

[Mitt1206]

I have read baby books but I don't know how to tell when I'm in labor. I'm at 35 weeks and feel pain in my lower belly that feel like cramps and pressure and pain in my lower back. Could this mean I'm close to having the baby?

[jneslo]

You can get a little ap on your phone or ipod to track your contractions - if it's your first, the rule is 3-1-1 --- meaning 3 minutes apart, lasting 1 minute long and for 1 hour. (for second time moms it's more liky 6-1-1 etc).  At which point you would go to the hospital or call your midwife.  A contraction will feel like menstrual cramps with braxton hix (tightening of your belly) at the same time.  If they are not noticble enough to time you are likely not in labour or at least not active labour yet.  Hope that helps.

[bbm1188]

I've wondered the exact same thing myself. I've had numerous contractions. Had a scare last night where they were coming two to five mins apart. But got sent home from l&d bc I wasnt dialated and my water didn't break. They lasted for 6 hours then went away.So I wish I could say when yyou'll know for sure. Some people say you'll know when your in severe pain or of course when your water breaks. But if you ever get an iffy feeling just go in and get checked bc you really never know since pregnancy is different for everyone.

[MamaTsoon2bof3]

This was me as well...lol i got lucky with my first water broke but with my second i still wondered because i didnt get strong contractions with my first, but different story with my second! I had lots of back pain & hip with pressure down low, but no labor not even dialated. Then 1 night started getting a lot if tightening in the belly (contractions w/no pain) for 3the nights straight. Had a drs appt still nothing...an hour after my appt the tightening of my stomach started but as it increased in length and freguency so did the pain with it, i knew i was going into labor for sure.

[Brittany12385]

This is a good question. With my first child (now pregnant with my second) my water broke so I knew it was time. But if it were to come down to contractions I'd have no clue