Labor and birth

If you've never given birth before, the onset of true labor isn't always easy to identify, and events leading up it can drag on for days. It’s common for labor to start any time between two weeks before and two weeks after your due date. So how will you know when you’re in labor?

Most expectant mothers feel mild contractions before they're actually in labor. Braxton Hicks contractions are generally sporadic and stop if you rest or change positions. True labor contractions, on the other hand, get longer, stronger and closer together as time goes on, and usually "wrap around" from your back to your belly.

Labor may be nearing if you notice one or more of these signs:

• Lightening: This happens when your baby's head "drops" down into your pelvis. Your belly will suddenly look lower and you'll have an easier time catching your breath than you did when your baby was crowding your lungs. The downside, though, is that your baby is now pressing on your bladder, increasing the need to urinate. For first-time moms, lightening usually occurs a few weeks before birth. For veteran moms, it may not happen until labor has begun.
• Bloody show: If you have blood-tinged or brownish vaginal discharge, it means your cervix has dilated enough to expel the mucus plug that sealed it for the last nine months. This is a good sign, but active labor may still be days away.
• Your baby moves less: Women often notice that their baby is less active the day before labor kicks in. No one is sure why this might be, but one theory is that the baby is simply saving his/her energy for the big event. If you notice decreased movement that’s concerning, contact your doctor.
• Your water breaks: When the amniotic sac ruptures, you'll feel fluid leak from your vagina in a trickle or a gush. For most women, contractions follow shortly thereafter. But even if they don't, let your doctor know as soon as you think your water has broken. In about 1 in 10 women, contractions don't begin on their own within 24 hours. If this happens, your labor may need to be induced, since the likelihood of infection increases once your baby's sterile bubble bursts. For other women, the amniotic sac doesn't rupture until labor is well underway.
• Diarrhea: If you feel a frequent urge to empty your bowels and your stools are looser than normal, labor may be imminent.
• Nesting: There's no scientific proof linking it to the onset of labor, but plenty of moms-to-be are gripped by a sudden urge to "nest" — to vacuum the entire house at 3 a.m. or put those finishing touches on the nursery — right before labor begins.

The symptoms of pre-term labor are similar to the symptoms of labor that begins at term. If you notice any of the signs listed above or feel strong, regular contractions before 37 weeks, call your doctor right away.

Also, if you experience any problem that feels unusual, including increasing pelvic pressure, vaginal bleeding or heavy discharge, or a marked decrease in your baby's activity, contact your doctor immediately or go to emergency room. Know the pregnancy warning signs.

Here are suggestions for what to bring to the hospital. We will supply you with a gown, slippers, disposable underwear and basic toiletries. We encourage you to pre-register for your hospital stay so you can quickly settle into your private birthing suite when you arrive at the hospital.

Paperwork/general items

• Driver’s license or another form of photo ID
• Health insurance card
• The pediatrician’s name and contact information
• Contact list of family and friends who you want to announce the birth
• Cell phone, camera
• Money for parking
• Your personal birthing plan (if you made one)

Items for mom

• Nightgown/pajamas
• A bathrobe and slippers
• Bra and nursing bra, breast pads
• Socks (several pair)
• Underwear (several pair)
• Toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, hair brush, hair ties, lip balm, lotion, deodorant)
• Comfortable, loose-fitting outfit to wear home

Comfort items

• Books, magazines
• Snacks
• Music
• Inspirational items (rocks, crystals, lockets, photographs)
• Massage rollers, massage oils to relieve back pain during labor
• The object you've chosen to use to focus on during labor (the "focal point")

Items for baby

• A going-home outfit
• A receiving blanket
• Warm clothing to wear home/heavy bunting or blanket (if cold weather)
• Baby socks
• Baby hat (especially for cold weather climates)
• A properly installed car seat
• A few diapers and wipes in case you need them during the trip home

View our pre-labor checklist

Once labor has started in earnest, when should you go to the hospital? Every situation is different, so talk with your doctor ahead of your delivery day about the best plan for you. In general, you should head to the hospital when your contractions are too painful to talk through, last 60 seconds or more, and have been coming 3-5 minutes apart for at least an hour. Still, if you aren’t sure, call your doctor.

If you have not yet pre-registered for your hospital stay, your obstetrician can give you a form to fill out, or you can complete your pre-registration online.

Getting to our Family Birthing Centers is easy.

Edward Hospital is located at 801 South Washington Street in Naperville.

• If you arrive during the daytime (before 9 p.m.), park in the North Parking Deck and enter through the North hospital entrance.
• If you arrive at night (after 9 p.m.), enter through the South Emergency Room entrance.
• Stop at the information desk.
• Proceed to the Labor & Delivery entrance on the first floor.

View a map of Edward campus

Elmhurst Hospital is located at 155 E. Brush Hill Road in Elmhurst.

• Park in the “Green” parking lot.
• Go to the East Entrance.
• Take the East Elevator to the third floor.
• Exit the East Elevator to your right and follow the signs to the Family Birthing Center.

View a map of Elmhurst campus