Recognizing the Signs of Labor

Whether you are awhile the arrival of your first or third baby labor is probably the most anticipated aspects of any pregnancy. Despite off of the advanced in the medical field doctors are still not able to accurately predict when a woman will go into labor. Even if you are an “experienced” mom, it can be difficult to determine when and if labor has truly started. For some it starts suddenly and progresses quickly, other may be in labor for hours and not know it, and then it becomes a processes that could even stretches into several days.

Most women will typically notice some physical changes as their body prepares for labor and delivery. However, these labor signs can start several weeks or days before labor actually starts.

Early Signs of Labor

The Nesting Instinct

You have a strong nesting instinct aside from any physical symptoms. Nesting is probably prompted by those lovely hormones, and the desire to prepare the “nest” for your offspring. You could have a sudden lift of energy and a frenzied rush to decorate, clean, and organize. You should try not to overdo it, you will need that energy for labor and all of the upcoming sleepless nights.

Dropping or Lightening

As the big day draws near your baby will begin to drop in your lower pelvis. Every woman carriers her baby a little different, and if you have been carrying low you may not even notice this change compared to a woman who might have carrying high. As the cervix soften, the baby will slowing make his way down until his head is fully applied to your cervix. One sign to watch for is heaviness or increased pressure in the pelvis area; you will probably be making for frequently bathroom breaks to urinate, bowel movements will probably be more difficult at this point. Added to this, another side-effect of dropping is an increase in swelling of the feet and legs due to pressure on the blood vessels. There is a positive side to lighting it does that the pressure off your diaphragm which will make it a little easier to breathe and any yield heartburn.

Braxton Hicks Contractions

While you will probably experience this practice contractions throughout your pregnancy, they will intensify and occur more often as labor approaches; so take them seriously as the end of your pregnancy approaches. To determine whether you having Braxton Hicks contractions and not true labor you should empty your bladder, drink some water, and lay down. If you are having Braxton Hicks they will fade away within ten minutes.

Vaginal Discharge

As the cervix softens and dilates, some women will experience what is called “bloody show,” this is the passing of the mucous plug. This plus seals the cervix during pregnancy and may be passed over several days noticed by an increase in discharge, or as a clump. Blood vessels break as the cervix dilates, and may tinge the mucous plug pink, red or brown. This is usually a sign that labor has begun or will start within the next few days; though it can be passed a few weeks prior to labor due to a doctor’s exam or intercourse.

Cervical Changes

Your doctor will start monitoring your cervical changes in the last few weeks of pregnancy. Some women will begin to dilate several weeks before labor while other remain unchanged up until labor begins. Dilation is very important labor sign it alone will not guarantee that labor will begin soon. Usually the cervix will begin to soften, thin, and dilate several weeks to days before labor.

Rupture of Members

In the movies a woman’s labor is ofter portrayed with a gushed of water followed by a rush to the hospital with speedy delivery of the baby. Few women actually have their water break before arriving at the hospital, or before labor starts. If your amniotic sac ruptures you will probably experience a slow trickle, or a gush of fluid, depending on the baby’s position. The fluid should be odorless and clear – it could be slightly tinged with blood. If your water does break not the color and odor of the fluid and call your health care provider immediately.

You may be wondering how you will know if you are in labor and one sure sign is consistent contractions that will usually start out feeling like a lower backache or menstrual cramps. If you start having regular uterine contractions it’s time to get a notebook and record the exact time each contraction begins and how long the last. True contractions have the following characteristics: They are regular and they become progressively intense. They follow a pattern (such as every 10 minutes) Start coming close Lasting longer Change in position or activity will not slow or stop the contractions They may be bloody Your water may break And cervical changes such as dilation

When your contractions have fallen into a pattern and are coming in consistant 5 -7 minute intervals, it’s time to call your doctor or go to the hospital.

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