Some signs of labor

Contractions are dilating the cervix by the time they average one minute long and five minutes apart. Signs of labor usually begins within 72 hours of bloody show.
The cervix has thinned and softened so that it is prepared to dilate enough to allow passage of the baby into and through the birth canal. In your final visits to the obstetrician he or she will check your cervix often to check for softening and dilation.
If you think you are leaking amniotic fluid or your water has broken, it is important that you call your doctor right away. Most doctors will induce labor if the water has broken and labor has not begun on its own within 24 hours to prevent possible infections or complications.