How Do You Know When You're in Active Labor?

Active labor is the period after early labor (when contractions are erratic and frequently stop and start) when your contractions become organized, follow a more distinct pattern, and cause your cervix to dilate from to approximately 8 centimeters. Active labor is significant because it's generally the time when you're told to call your care provider and head to the hospital or birth center. Many women instinctively know when active labor has begun, but knowing the following typical landmarks is helpful:

Contractions get longer, stronger, and closer together. This seems to be the gold standard of determining whether you're in active labor. You'll want to check with your care provider, but many will tell you "4-1-1," which means: contractions that are consistently 4 minutes apart, lasting at least 1 minute each, spanning over at least 1 hour.

Contractions don't go away when you lay down. Often, care providers will suggest you drink a glass of water and lay down to see if your contractions continue. Being dehydrated can also cause contractions. But ff you are in active labor, your contractions will continue to happen despite laying down and rehydrated.

You can no longer walk or talk through contractions. Active labor contractions often require you not only to pay attention to them, but also to use some kind of coping mechanism (rocking, breathing, hands and knees, etc.). If you find yourself having to "work through" your contractions or unable to talk during them, you're most likely in active labor.

If you arrive at the hospital and your contractions stop or you are told you haven't progressed enough to be admitted, don't be discouraged! Some care providers may refer to this as "false labor," but there's nothing "false" about it. Your body is gearing up to do the hard work of labor that will eventually come. If you are not admitted, take it as an opportunity to go back home and rest. No doubt that labor will soon start (and not end until you have a baby in your arms!), so spending time resting or sleeping will give you energy for later on. If you're too anxious and excited to sleep, do something fun and distracting -- dinner with a friend, shopping, pedicure -- it will help pass the time and take your mind off of "baby watch."

Experience mamas, we want to know: How did you know when you were in active labor?