Giving birth is probably the most complicated yet anticipated phase of pregnancy. Complicated as the mother will have a lot to go through the process of giving birth, and anticipating as the baby will finally be born.

In the process of giving birth, you have to go through labor. Most stories of giving birth seen on television or movies, wherein a woman suddenly clutches her belly, then poof, there goes the baby, are false. A normal labor can last up to nine hours if you are a first-time mother; up to six to seven hours if it's not your first pregnancy. During labor, you will feel regular, painful contractions that can occur five to three minutes apart.

As for the signs that you are already in labor, read on below for more information:

The feel of the contractions. Contractions during labor are often felt low in the lower back or in the groin area. The contractions, which are crampy and dull like gas or menstrual cramps, can radiate from front to back, vice versa, or down to your legs. The difference of labor from pre-labor contractions is that the latter feels more like a tightening across your belly, while the former are strong contractions, so strong it is difficult for you to talk or walk while you are having it. Once you feel the labor contractions, go to the hospital immediately.

Changing labor contraction pattern. When you are in labor, the contractions will eventually become longer and stronger over time. See, labor shifts from early to active phase. Contractions can go along at one level, then become stronger for a short period of time. Take note that in pre-labor contractions, the cramps can also be felt over a couple of hours, but the pattern of the contractions stays the same. Deal with pre-labor contractions by taking a warm bath or any other relaxing activity. Most of the time, pre-labor cramps go away by doing such. But these won't work if you are already on your labor.

When the bag of water breaks. Expect progressive labor once your bag of water broke with a gush or a pop. When this happens, go to the hospital or your doctor immediately. However, if it is just a slow leak, better inform your doctor too as soon as possible to avoid complications.

Indications that you are already in labor are actually a matter of common sense. When contractions trigger with three minutes interval and only thirty seconds long, do not waste time thinking if these are just pre-labor contractions, for these are not. Inform your partner immediately and go to your doctor or to the hospital.

However, if you are still months away from your expected delivery date and cramps are within five minutes apart for three hours, these are probably just pre-labor contractions that you shouldn't worry about. Still, it is best to always inform your doctor of the pains or cramps you are experiencing the entire duration of your pregnancy in order to prevent complications.