Labor is defined by having regular contractions that causes dilatation and thinning of the cervix in a steady and progressive manner resulting, ideally, in a vaginal delivery.  Labor is expected after 38 weeks gestation.  Preterm labor is regular steady contractions prior to 38 weeks that also causes cervical changes.  If preterm labor occurs too early then efforts will be made to stop it.

Please call if you are more than 4 weeks (<36 weeks pregnant) before your due date and are having 6 or more contractions an hour that does not resolve with rest. If you are having contractions of this frequency you should empty your bladder, drink 3 glasses of water, and lay down on your left side for an hour.  If the symptoms do not resolve please call.

If your are later than 36 weeks pregnant call if you are having contractions every 5 to 7 minutes for an hour and/or if your water breaks.  Contractions typically are painful tightening of the uterus lasting 45 to 60 seconds.  Time the contractions from the beginning of one contraction to the beginning of the next.

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