When a woman thinks about having a baby, many questions come to mind. It’s very common for couples to not know exactly how pregnancy works. It’s something we learn over time, through experiences, research, and of course, those always important doctor visits. And one of the most debated topics when we talk about having a baby is whether every woman goes into labor. After all, is this true or a myth? Let’s talk about this in more detail and explain whether this statement is really true or false.

So, Is It True or Not?

Before we explain how the whole labor process works, it’s important to address the main question. No. It is not true that every woman goes into labor, at least technically speaking. Every pregnant woman can have her baby in the usual way, whether by natural birth or cesarean section, but often not all the symptoms of labor are felt during this process. And that is why we can say that not every woman goes into labor. In other words, this is a myth. But to better understand this statement, we need to understand what labor is.

What Is Labor?

Labor involves a series of symptoms1 that indicate a woman’s body is preparing to give birth. We can break down labor into several stages. They are:

  • Contractions
  • Water breaking
  • Dilation
  • Loss of the mucus plug

Let’s talk about each of these stages and how they are part of labor.

Contractions

One of the first symptoms every woman who goes into labor experiences is contractions. They can start up to 15 days before the baby is born, with an average interval of 3 hours between each spasm. We can say that this first sign is a “pre-labor”. It is recommended that as soon as you feel your first contraction, you let your doctor know. The interval between contractions starts to decrease over time. When this interval reaches 10 minutes, the woman is truly in labor. These contractions can cause some discomfort and even strong cramps. Each contraction usually lasts about 30 to 40 seconds and occurs rhythmically. Changing positions and using warm water towels are options to help ease the discomfort from contractions.

Water Breaking

The water breaking often happens without the woman noticing, and is often discovered when the pregnant woman goes to the bathroom. The fluid is similar to urine but lighter in color, and may even contain whitish streaks. Unlike urine, the woman can’t control this fluid. When this happens, there’s no need to panic or get desperate. It’s advisable to clean up, use a pad to control the leaking fluid, and head to the hospital to have the baby.

Dilation

Cervical dilation is a direct consequence of contractions. Usually, when a woman is in labor, she dilates about 1 cm per hour, up to 10 cm. However, this number may vary slightly. When dilation takes too long, intervention is needed so labor can progress normally. This is why many say that not every woman dilates and, consequently, not every woman goes into labor. Another important point is that a woman may not always notice she’s dilating, as this can sometimes happen without pain. Dilation can only be checked by the doctor or doula who is assisting the woman at the time with a “touch” examination. Women who did not dilate in their first pregnancy may indeed do so in the second, and women who experienced dilation in a previous pregnancy are more likely to dilate more quickly the next time.

Loss of the Mucus Plug

The mucus plug (or cervical plug) is a brownish secretion that normally contains traces of blood. Its purpose is to protect the cervix and, therefore, the baby. Losing the mucus plug is the first sign of cervical dilation. When this occurs, it means your body is ready for birth, though sometimes it may still take a few days for labor itself to begin.

Other Myths

In addition to the myth that every woman goes into labor, there are several other myths about this topic. Let’s talk about a few of them and explain why these beliefs are incorrect. They are:

  • The Water Only Breaks After the Woman Has Contractions
  • Medications to Induce Labor
  • Dilation Always Means Labor Has Begun

The Water Only Breaks After the Woman Has Contractions

While this is quite frequent and common, it’s not always the rule. A woman’s water does not necessarily break only after contractions have started. The needed procedures will not change; you should just go to the hospital to have your baby as normal. There are also cases where a woman needs to have her baby delivered even before the water breaks. This happens when the woman has some kind of condition where her blood and the baby’s blood cannot mix without risking infection for the baby.

Medications to Induce Labor

The myth is not about the medications themselves, which are prescribed and recommended by doctors and often do work to induce labor2. The truth is that these medications are not infallible and may not always work. If they don’t, a cesarean section is necessary.

ATTENTION: Never attempt to take medication to induce labor on your own. This can be extremely harmful to both you and your baby.

Dilation Always Means Labor Has Begun

As we’ve discussed in this article, there is a period called “pre-labor” that serves as the body’s preparation. Not just contractions, but dilation itself can happen several days before actual labor begins. Still, it is important to note that most often, dilation happens during the actual labor process3. There are many questions when it comes to pregnancy, especially for those considering having their first child. Knowing that not every woman goes into labor and that this is a myth can help women relax and prepare better for this special and unique moment in their lives. Of course, these are not the only myths about labor, and it is always important to do research and be aware of how the entire process works. In the end, you benefit from more knowledge and peace of mind when it comes time to have your baby. See also: Labor – How to Recognize When the Time Has Come Photo: Greyerbaby