Day 271 of 280, third trimester
You are 38 weeks and 5 days
Don't just wait for contractions; get to know now the signs that labor may be imminent.
9 days until your due date
When does labor actually start? In a first pregnancy, the signs can be hard to recognize. Some women have mild lower back pain that becomes painful. You may notice a bloody show, which can happen well before true labor. Your waters may break as the sac of amniotic fluid bursts; even if this isn't accompanied by contractions, tell your doctor.
The most obvious sign is contractions: painful tightenings of the uterus that become stronger and more regular as labor progresses. They cause the cervix to open and shorten, so your doctor will examine you to see how far you've progressed.
If you think you're in labor, stay calm, call your doctor, and follow her advice, describing your symptoms and especially your contractions. If they're coming every 5 minutes, lasting a minute (time them), and are uncomfortable enough to make you stop what you're doing, think about going to hospital.
Ask a Doctor
How long am I likely to stay in hospital after the birth?
Most maternity units are fairly flexible, so talk to your doctor if you want to leave as soon as possible. It depends on many things, but US federal law says insurers can't force you to leave before 48 hours after a vaginal delivery or 96 hours after a cesarean, and it's recommended that a healthy newborn stays at least 48 hours.
Your stay mainly depends on the type of delivery: after a straightforward vaginal birth you may be able to go home after six hours, while a cesarean may mean about three days. If your baby is early, unwell, or struggling to feed or keep warm, you'll be advised to stay. If your baby needs to stay in hospital for a long time, you'd go home and visit him in the neonatal intensive care unit.
Good to know
Fetal monitoring
If there are no complications or concerns, your baby's heartbeat is usually checked with a handheld device like the one used at prenatal appointments. You may be monitored throughout labor and birth, or your doctor may listen every 15 to 30 minutes, leaving you free to move around as much as you like in between. If you've had complications in pregnancy, or problems develop in labor, the heartbeat may be monitored continuously with a CTG.
Appointments and key dates around now
- RSV vaccineFrom 28 weeks
Read the full 38 weeks pregnant guide
This is general information based on NHS guidance, not medical advice, and every pregnancy is different. Talk to your midwife or GP about anything that worries you. If your baby's movements slow down or change, or you have bleeding, severe pain or leaking fluid, call your maternity unit straight away. In an emergency, call 999.