Every woman is different. Every labor is different. That makes it difficult to know if you are really going into true labor, or if it is something else.

As your due date approaches, you might experience false labor (irregular contractions that may feel like your uterine muscles are knotting up). These cramps are called Braxton-Hicks contractions. They are normal, even though they sometimes can be painful. Braxton-Hicks contractions are most common in the afternoon or evening, when you are tired, or after physical activity.

To help you decide if you are beginning true labor, monitor your contractions. Time them from the start of one contraction to the start of the next.

Contractions in true labor:

• Come at regular intervals (usually five minutes apart or closer)

• Get closer together and stronger as time goes on

• Continue even after you move around

• Are usually felt in the back first, then in the front

• Feel stronger when you walk

• Last about 30 to 70 seconds each

Contractions in false labor, or Braxton-Hicks contractions:

• Are irregular and do not consistently get closer together

• May stop when you walk or rest, or may even stop if you change positions

• Are often felt only in the abdomen

• Are usually weak and do not get much stronger; some are strong, then weak

It's not always easy to tell the difference between the two. False labor, for example, can occur when real labor is expected to start. Sometimes the difference between true and false labor only can be determined by a vaginal exam. Call your health care professional about any contractions you are concerned about, or those that don't fade quickly.

Tip: Talk with your health care professional about how to time your contractions to help you tell the difference between true and false labor. Also, ask whether you should call the office first or go directly to the hospital when labor starts. If you feel you're going into labor, don't wait too long to call or go to the hospital. Labor can occur earlier and proceed more quickly than expected, especially if you have had a baby before.

Call your health care professional right away if your water breaks (membranes rupture); if you bleed from the vagina; or if you have constant, severe pain with no relief between contractions.

The process of labor can be long, hard work for you as your baby moves from the uterus through the birth canal.

Initially, contractions are short and mild, occurring at five- to 10-minute intervals. During this time, you probably are free to be in any position you want, or to move around. When the contractions come three to five minutes apart and are more intense, lasting 40 to 50 seconds, you are in active labor.

During this stage, your uterus contracts to push the opening of the cervix wider and wider. When you arrive at the hospital, your cervix will be examined to see how much it has opened, or dilated, and thinned (called effacement). Your temperature, pulse, respiration, blood pressure, heart rate, position, and the condition of your baby will be monitored.

The time between your contractions continues to shorten to about two minutes; at this point contractions are more intense and last about a minute. Your labor coach and the staff are important in keeping you comfortable and motivated during this stage. The completion of this stage of labor comes when your cervix is fully dilated (about 10 centimeters or four inches).

This stage may last up to two hours or more and ends with the birth of your baby. One person quietly gives you instructions during a contraction. Try to concentrate on these instructions, and follow them carefully. Find a position for pushing that is comfortable and push only when asked.

When your baby's head appears, or crowns, a doctor may make an episiotomy (or an incision to enlarge the vaginal opening) if one is needed. While an episiotomy is often thought of as a negative, the benefit is that it can eliminate tearing and is much easier to repair. Then, as you pant or blow to prevent further pushing, your baby's head is gradually delivered. You may be able to watch the birth in a mirror. Next, your baby’s shoulders appear, and then the rest of the body.

This short stage ends when the placenta and the membranes that held your baby are pushed out. The staff will clean you and provide fresh bedding.

Immediately after your baby is born, the staff will clear your baby's nose and throat of mucus or fluid, if necessary, and then clamp and cut the umbilical cord. Drops or ointment will be put into your baby's eyes to prevent infection, and he will be given vitamin K to prevent problems with blood clotting. Your baby is quickly dried off, wrapped in a blanket to keep warm and may be placed on your stomach so you can enjoy the moment.

At one minute and at five minutes after the birth, the staff will assess how well your baby has made the change from your uterus to life outside you and assigns the Apgar scores. Apgar stands for Appearance (color), Pulse (heart rate), Grimace (reflex), Activity (muscle tone), and Respiration. Scores are on a scale from zero to two on each element and give an indication of how your newborn is responding. Then, perhaps all three of you — mother, father, and baby — can have some quiet time together. The baby may be able to be put to the breast if you have decided to breastfeed.

All newborn babies are required by law to be tested, or screened, for certain rare inherited diseases. These diseases, if untreated, can seriously interfere with a baby's development.

For screening, a few drops of blood usually are taken from the baby's heel. Although all babies are screened in the hospital, sometimes babies have to be screened again after they have gone home. In certain situations, the screening may not detect the disorder the first time. Check with your baby's health care professional at an early visit to be sure that your baby has been properly screened for these rare but serious diseases.

A hepatitis B vaccine is often given to your baby in the hospital. Make sure you have a record to take to your pediatrician’s office on your visits.

Whatever the length of your hospital stay, it's important to learn how to care for your baby before you're discharged. Before you leave the hospital, be sure to discuss these topics:

• Know how to bathe, diaper, and feed your baby; care for the umbilical cord and the circumcision site, if applicable; and take your baby's temperature.

• Know what to expect of normal sleep and feeding patterns; stool and urination patterns; and spitting up.

• Most babies are recommended to sleep on their backs, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. You can check with your health care professional if you have questions.

• Find out what conditions should prompt you to call your baby's health care professional, such as signs of jaundice.

• Know how to reach your health care professional after office hours.

• Learn your baby’s schedule for immunizations. Your baby needs most immunizations by age two years, with the first immunization due between birth and 2 months.

Now's a good time to call on the support you’ve arranged from your partner, family, and friends for your first week home. Once you're home, try to get the extra rest you'll need. Depending on your baby's or your needs after discharge, it may be recommended that a nurse visit you and your baby at home or that you make an early visit to your health professional’s office.

Circumcision is the surgical removal of the layer of skin (foreskin) covering the tip of the penis, and may be done for hygiene or religious reasons. You choose whether or not to circumcise your son — no laws or hospitals require it. Your baby's pediatrician can explain the possible benefits and risks of either decision.

Ready to welcome baby home? Visit our Mom and Baby: Month-by-Month guide for tips and advice as you and your little one continue the journey.

Every woman is different. Every labor is different. That makes it difficult to know if you are really going into true labor, or if it is something else.

As your due date approaches, you might experience false labor (irregular contractions that may feel like your uterine muscles are knotting up). These cramps are called Braxton-Hicks contractions. They are normal, even though they sometimes can be painful. Braxton-Hicks contractions are most common in the afternoon or evening, when you are tired, or after physical activity.