What is a typical sign that a woman has entered active labor?

A typical sign that a woman has entered active labor is characterized by consistent and strong contractions. During active labor, contractions become more frequent, intense, and typically last longer than in the earlier stages of labor. These contractions usually occur at intervals of about 3 to 5 minutes and can last anywhere from 45 to 60 seconds or more. This pattern indicates that the body is effectively progressing towards delivery, as these contractions aid in dilating the cervix.

In the context of labor stages, irregular contractions, which may be present in the early or latent phase, do not signify the onset of active labor. Fetal movement is also a normal occurrence throughout pregnancy and does not indicate the progression of labor. Lastly, while the loss of the mucus plug can signal that the body is preparing for labor, it is not a definitive sign of active labor on its own, as it can occur days or weeks prior to labor starting. Thus, consistent and strong contractions are the hallmark of active labor.