The beginning of labor is not always easy to define. There are some ways to find out.

Difficulty Level: average      Time Required: 120 minutes

1. Time 4 contractions.
2. Walk around for a bit.
3. Time 4 more contractions.
4. Eat and drink something light.
5. Time 4 more contractions.
6. If the contractions get further apart, it's not labor.
7. If the contractions get closer or more intense, it is probably early labor.
8. Note the duration of the contractions.
9. Contact your doctor or midwife for further instructions, if you are in labor.
   

1. Don't time every contraction.
2. Be sure to write down the information about the contractions you do time, including intensity and duration.
3. Don't panic.
   

Related Features:

• The Real Thing
• Labor Basics
• Stages of Labor
• Emergency Birth
  

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