It's important that the healer be able to distinguish between true labor and false labor. In most cases the healer can pinpoint true labor by looking at the cervix. If the contractions aren't comfortable, are irregular, are affected when the patient changes her activity, and don't last more than 45 seconds, then she's probably experiencing false labor. True labor contractions become stronger, last longer, and get closer together as the labor progresses. This affects changes in the cervix, causing it to thin out and open while encouraging the descent of the baby through the pelvis. Following are some quick tests:

True Signs of Labor
-Contractions are felt more in the back.
-Contractions become strong, longer, and closer together over time.
-Bloody or pink show is present.
-An activity change or warm shower increases the intensity of the contractions.

False Labor
-Contractions are felt more in the abdomen.
-Contractions don't change in intensity - even though they're sometimes strong and close together.
-There's no bloody show.
-An activity change or warm shower usually decreases the intensity of the contractions.


The following are signs that labor has indeed begun. They can occur in any order:

Contractions: Contractions will get longer and closer together as labor moves ahead. The healer will notice that the contractions are regular and tend to follow a pattern. If the patient continues to have contractions that have no rhythm, but are five to seven minutes or less apart, call a master midwife immediately.

Rupture of Bag of Waters: This breakage of the membranes surrounding the baby could result in a flush or an uncontrollable leakage of fluid from the vagina. The fluid is colorless and odorless. In most cases, the contractions will begin six to 12 hours following the rupture of the sac. The patient should notify a healer as soon as the membranes rupture or the bag of waters break.




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