How can you tell if labor has started? The following is a list of possible signs of labor. Preterm labor can strike much too early in pregnancy. Don't ignore any of these signs, especially if you are earlier than 36 weeks :

- menstrual-like cramps

- abdominal cramps

- rupture of amniotic membrane ("water breaking") - this will feel like a gush of water flowing from your vagina, though some women claim it is more of a constant trickle. If your water has in fact broken, your baby will need to be delivered some time in the next 24 hours in order to decrease chances of infection. - pressure in your pelvis, as if your baby is pushing down

- "bloody show" - a blood-tinged mucous plug will be dislodged from your cervix

- lower backache

- change/increase in vaginal discharge

- contractions every 10 minutes

If you feel these symptoms, call your health care provider to discuss what your next step should be. Don't ignore what your body may be telling you!