How do you know when you are in labor?

Contractions->change: Labor is typically considered to occur when regular contractions of the uterus cause a change in the cervix. It can occur before term as well as around the due date. Therefore, the OB doctor should be notified if contractions occur to arrange evaluation.

Labor: Once your contractions are coming at relatively regular intervals and your cervix begins to progressively dilate and efface, you're officially in labor, your contractions will gradually become longer, stronger, and closer together. Eventually they'll be coming every five minutes and lasting 40 to 60 seconds,