Labor Signs

1. Stages of Pregnancy Slideshow Pictures
2. Slideshow of Early Pregnancy Symptoms
3. Early Pregnancy Symptoms Quiz

Medical Author:

Jane K Witman, MD

Medical Editor:

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stöppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology.

View Full Profile

• Labor Signs Overview
• Labor Signs Causes
• Labor Signs Symptoms
• Preparing for Labor
• When to Call a Health Care Professional
• Synonyms and Keywords
• Authors and Editors
• Viewer Comments: Labor Signs - Pain
• Viewer Comments: Labor Signs - At 35 To 39 Weeks

The onset of labor is the most anticipated event of pregnancy. Many pregnant women fear they will miss the early signs of labor and be unprepared for the delivery of their child. Fortunately, the body provides several clues that the onset of labor is approaching. There are also signs of pre-labor that indicate that the body is preparing for delivery in the weeks to come. Since a normal gestation is 40 weeks, signs of pre-labor may be apparent at 38 or 39 weeks' gestation. In most cases, labor begins between 37 and 42 weeks after the last menstrual period. Of course, labor may also begin prematurely in some cases. Although gestational age can predict to a certain extent when the signs of labor and pre-labor will develop, there is no proven way to predict precisely when labor will begin.

Must Read Articles Related to Labor Signs

Vaginal Birth After Cesarean Delivery Vaginal birth after cesarean delivery (VBAC) is when a woman has had a cesarean delivery (C-section) before, and she delivers the next baby vaginally. If a woma...learn more >>

See the Entire Labor Signs Topic Guide »