From what stage of labor may one desecrate Shabbos?[1]

A woman becomes defined as a Yoledes for whom one may desecrate Shabbos on her behalf, from the time that any of the following three matters occur [with exception to traveling to the hospital which may be done even prior to these stages being reached, as explained in Halacha 2]:

1. Contractions-Birthstool/Mashber:[2] If she is ready to go on the birth stool to give birth then one may desecrate Shabbos on her behalf. [This refers to contractions.[3] Some[4] explain this to refer to the consistent set of contractions of every five minutes which occur before birth to widen the cervix, in which case one may desecrate Shabbos even if it is questionable if this will lead her to giving birth. Others[5] question that perhaps the contractions refer to those which come when one is ready to push the baby out, after the cervix has already successfully opened.[6]]
2. Blood:[7] If she sees a flow of blood from her vagina, then one may desecrate Shabbos on her behalf. [This does not refer to a mere few drops but rather to a nice surge of blood.[8] However, if she simply sees a stain of blood in her underwear, then she has yet to reach this stage.[9]]
3. Can’t walk on own:[10] If she is unable to walk on her own due to the labor, and needs to sit on a bed or wheelchair, or have someone help her walk, then one may desecrate Shabbos on her behalf.
4. Breaking of water: If her water broke, then some[11] write that this is considered like a gush of blood coming out which defines her as a Yoledes, and one may thus desecrate Shabbos on her behalf from that time and on. Others[12] however argue against this claim and say it has no source, and it happens that the water breaks much time prior to the birth. Others[13] say that if the breaking of the waters is accompanied by contractions then she is considered a Yoledes.

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[1] Admur 330:3 “From when is a [woman] defined as a Yoledes [in the process of giving birth] to be allowed to desecrate Shabbos [on her behalf]? From when she sits on the birthing stool, or from the time that the blood is drooling out, or from the time that her friends [have to] carry her by her arms due to her not having strength to walk. Once any of the above has begun to occur one is [allowed] to desecrate Shabbos on her behalf for all her needs which are able to be done now without delay.”; Michaber 330:3; Rambam Shabbos 2:13; Abayey and Rav Huna Shabbos 129a; See Shevet Halevi 8:88; Toras Hayoledes Chapter 3 and 30; Piskeiy Teshuvos 330:3

[2] Admur ibid; Michaber ibid; Rambam ibid; Abayey ibid; Piskeiy Teshuvos 330:3 footnote 26-27

[3] Aruch Hashulchan 330:4

[4] SSH”K 36:8; Toras Hayoledes 3:1

[5] Toras Hayoledes 29

[6] Piskeiy Teshuvos 330:3

[7] Admur ibid; Michaber ibid; Rambam ibid; Rav Huna ibid; Piskeiy Teshuvos 330:3 footnote 28

[8] Toras Hayoledes 30; Piskeiy Teshuvos 330:3

[9] Nitei Gavriel 58:1

[10] Admur ibid; Michaber ibid; Rashi Shabbos ibid; Taz 330:3; Piskeiy Teshuvos 330:3 footnote 30

[11] SSH”K 36:9

[12] Toras Hayoledes Chapter 29; Piskeiy Teshuvos 330:3 footnote 29

[13] Sheivet Halevy 8:88; Piskeiy Teshuvos 330:3 footnote 29

[14] Piskeiy Teshuvos 330:3