Is Brownish Discharge a Sign of Early Labor?

Am I in labor? It seems like it should be a simple question, but so often it isn't. In the movies, a woman's water breaks---and then the baby's on the way (after a mad dash to the hospital). In real life, labor is rarely so quick or obvious.

  1. Early Labor

    • Much to a pregnant woman's dismay, early labor can last a couple of hours or a couple of weeks, particularly if this is your first baby. You can dilate two to three centimeters without really knowing it.

    The Mucus Plug

    • One tell-tale sign of labor getting under way (whether a few hours, days or a week before it actually starts) is the dislodging of the mucus plug. The plug is a thick chunk of mucus covering the cervix that protects a pregnant woman's uterus from bacteria. The plug is often accompanied by a brownish discharge and a tinge of blood.

    Nesting

    • Another sign of labor is a nesting instinct. Suddenly, a pregnant woman, after weeks of feeling fatigue, will have a burst of energy that will enable her to clean, decorate or otherwise "prepare" her nest for the impending arrival.

    The Water Breaks

    • The water breaking is much less common than the movies would have us believe. But it does happen and often it is not a huge burst like a water balloon, but a trickle that feels like you've suddenly become incontinent! If the smell of the liquid is sweet and not acrid like urine, it is likely that your water has broken.

    Warning

    • Any bright red or dark red blood should be reported to a doctor immediately. This could be a sign of an issue with the placenta and you need to be seen by a doctor right away.

    2. Previous:

    Next:

    • How to Understand the Mechanism of Labor
      Understanding the process of labor and delivery should help you know what to expect. Although it’s impossible to predict exactly the way labor will progress, there are specific stages that mother and baby undergo as birth approaches. The mechan
    • The Importance of Prenatal Care
      Congratulations -- youre expecting a baby! Whether or not this pregnancy was planned, you are now at the beginning of an incredible journey. One important part of this journey is to begin getting prenatal care from a qualified medical professional. N
    • Information on the Third Stage of Labour
        In the third stage of labour the uterus contracts, and the placenta completes its separation from the wall of the uterus and is birthed. This stage can take five to 30 minutes or longer. During this time you may experience cramps and be a