What factors determine when someone goes into labour??

[Leilababyno1]

I am just curious as to what things may contribute, to when someone goes into labour...

A lady is considered full term at 37 weeks, so what determines who goes into labour at 37, 40 or 41+ weeks??

Does babies size have anything to do with it, or does having shorter/longer menstual cycles contribute? Do genetics play a part- if your mother had her babies early/late will you too?

i don't think anyone knows actually. there are plenty of theories, but i don't think anyone has found any concrete evidence that any particular thing triggers it

would be interested to hear other thoughts tho!

I've heard it's down to the baby releasing particular hormones when it's ready to be born. I wish I knew when mine was coming, I'm in that 'window' now...!

Yes, I thought the baby triggered it too - pretty much nothing the mother can do will start labour before the bay is ready.

Same here, 38 weeks and uncomfortable, exhausted, sick, grumpy, full of heartburn, no energy to entertain DS, want to murder everyone around me . . .

COME ON ALREADY!

(DS was 2 wks overdue though, so prob have another 4 weeks of this to put up with/inflict on others )

I think they're dying to find out what triggers labour finally.

But speaking non-medically in my anecdotal and personal experience it appears to be a combination of the baby being ready and the mother feeling ready and supported.

I can't believe how often I hear of home births being wonderful and hospital births being ok/hideous/frightening/painful/ and the odd wonderful. Or labour progressing and then stopping when the woman gets to the hospital.

I think when a woman can make her environment suit her and move around in the way she wants to I'm sure labour is more likely to progress. So whatever makes you feel confident and empowered may well help the process begin. Not necessarily trigger but contribute to it happening.
I think a woman has to find a way to surrender to labour and not resist it. That's obviously not a scientific thing, but I was aware both times that I had to let go a bit and let labour start. But people have widely varying experiences. Good luck!

Hummnn...that's really interesting- thanks all. I know that baby has to release a certain hormone to get things started...

It's so fascinating though. I wonder when scientists will finally discover what exactly determines when labour starts?! Guess it's a mystery!

In my experience, I had my waters broken when I got to 4cm, then gave birth within an hour - both DCs!

No twinges/ contractions before that. Just routine 40+ appts to discuss my options. Upon examination, they told me to go to the labour ward, then they broke my waters and out they popped (i think they were having a slow day).

So, to answer your question, IME, waters breaking = baby sees light at the end of the tunnel.