Labor refers to your body’s natural process of childbirth. It begins with your first steady contractions, and continues through the birth of your baby and placenta. Continue to read this article to know The Signs of Labor.While some women show signs of labor that are very obvious, others don’t. Although no one can predict when or what causes labor, there are several physical and hormonal signs that indicate it.sp
Lightening during labor
Lightening is the process by which your baby settles or falls into your pelvis right before labor. This is also known as “baby dropping”
- It can occur a few days or hours before labor.
- You may feel the urge to urinate more frequently because your uterus rests upon the bladder after lightening.
- The extra space in your abdomen could make it easier for you to breathe and help with heartburn.
The mucus plug is passed
During pregnancy, the mucus plug builds up at the cervix. The mucus plug builds up at the cervix during pregnancy. It can be clear, pink or slightly bloody. This is also called “show” or “bloody show” and can occur as soon as the mucus plug has been removed or up to two weeks later.
Labour contractions
Contractions refer to the tightening and stretching of the uterus‘ muscles. The abdomen becomes harder during contractions. The uterus becomes more flexible during contractions. Each woman’s experience with a contraction is unique, so it might feel different in each pregnancy.
- The most common signs of labor contractions are discomfort in the back or lower abdomen and pressure in the pelvis.
- From the top of your uterus to its bottom, contractions move in waves-like motion.
- Some women refer to contractions as strong menstrual cramps.
- Contrary to false labor contractions and Braxton Hicks contractions true labour contractions don’t stop when your position changes or you relax.
- They may feel uncomfortable but you can relax between contractions.
Diarrhea
Your poops may appear loose or watery. This could indicate that you are within a few days of labor starting.
Weight loss
It may seem as though you will never stop gaining weight while you are pregnant. Many women lose weight in the days before labor.
Nesting instinct
Some women feel the need to be ready for their baby’s arrival as soon as they can. This is known as the nesting instinct.
- After weeks of feeling tired, you may feel a sudden surge of energy.
- It is possible to feel the need to shop, cook, or clean your house.
- Also It is important not to go overboard. It will require a lot of energy to give birth.
Activity for the baby
As you get closer to labor, your baby might be less mobile. However, let your doctor know. Sometimes, it can be a sign that there is a problem.
Back Pain and Cramps During Pregnancy
A contraction can be difficult to identify, especially if you are having your first child. Women often feel like they are experiencing menstrual cramps around the lower abdomen. They can be constant or intermittent. Your lower back may also be affected by pain.
Looser joints
As your pregnancy slows down, you may feel like your body is “waddling”. Relaxin, a hormone that helps ease the passage of your baby through the pelvis, loosens the ligaments.
Water breaking: One of the major signs of labor.
Before you arrive at the hospital, rupture of the amniotic fluid (the fluid-filled membrane that surrounds the baby during pregnancy), may occur.
- It could feel like a sudden gush or a steady drip of fluid.
- The fluid is typically odorless and can appear clear or straw-colored.
- Write down when your water breaks, what fluid was released and how it looked. Then let your provider know. You’ll be advised by them what to do next.
- Women who are in labor don’t always get their water break. In the hospital, the doctor may rupture the amniotic membrane many times.
Effacement
Your cervix shrinks and becomes shorter during labor to allow your baby’s head to expand and stretch. The process of the cervix shrinking and thinning is known as effacement. Your provider of health care will be able tell you if the cervix has changed during a pelvic examination.Effacement can be measured in percentages ranging from 0% up to 100%. It is 0% effaced if there are no changes in the cervix. Half of the normal thickness is considered 50% effaced. The cervix becomes 100% effaced when it has been completely thinned.
Dilation
Dilation is the stretching or opening of your cervical cavity. It is measured in centimeters. Complete dilation is at 10 centimeters.
Effective uterine contractions are the direct cause of dilation and effacement. The amount of time that the cervix opens and thins to allow your baby through the vaginal openings is a measure of labor progress.
What is the difference between true labor and false labor?
Braxton Hicks contractions are a form of false labor. These irregular uterine contractions, also known as Braxton Hicks contractions, are normal and can occur in your first trimester or more often in your fourth trimester.
How Do Braxton Hicks’ Contractions Feel?
Braxton Hicks contractions are a tightening of the abdomen that changes and comes and goes. These contractions don’t get closer, don’t increase with walking, don’t increase in duration, or feel as strong over time, like when you are in labor.
How Can I Tell If I’m In True Labor?
These questions will help you determine if your contractions are real.
| Contraction Characteristics | False Labor | True Labor |
| How frequently do contractions occur? | Contractions can be irregular and not always get closer together. | Contractions occur at regular intervals, lasting between 30-70 seconds. They become closer as time passes. |
| Are they subject to movement? | Contractions can stop when you rest or walk, or if your position changes. | Contractions continue despite movement or changing positions. |
| How strong do they look? | Contractions tend to be weak and don’t get stronger. They may start strong and then become weaker. | The strength of contractions is steadily increasing. |
| Where are you feeling the pain? | Contractions usually feel in the pelvic or front of the abdomen. | Contractions typically begin in the lower back, and then move to the front. |
Time Your Contractions
Start timing your contractions when you feel like you are in labor. Write down when each contraction begins and ends, or ask someone to do it for your. The interval is the time between two contractions. It includes the duration or length of each contraction, as well as the number of minutes between them.
Mild contractions usually last 60 to 90 seconds and are typically 15 to 20 minutes apart. When they occur less than five minutes apart, the contractions become more frequent. Active labor, which is when you need to go to the hospital, is typically characterized by strong contractions lasting between 45 and 60 seconds. They also occur three to four minutes apart.
Relax!
It is best to go through the first stage (called the Latent phase) in your own home. These are some tips to help manage your labor.
- Take a walk or watch a film to distract yourself.
- Warm up in a hot tub or take a shower. If your water is not working, you should ask your provider.
- Rest. If it’s in the evening, nap. Your energy must be stored for active labor.
When Should You Call The Doctor or Go to The Hospital?
If you believe you may be in real labor, contact your doctor. Also, call:
- If your water seems to be leaking
- If you are bleeding (more than just spotting).
- When baby is moving slower than usual.
- If your contractions become very painful and occur every 5 minutes for at least an hour.
- If you are experiencing any signs of labor but have not reached your 37th week, it is possible that you haven’t yet reached your 37th. Your baby may not be ready for labor yet. You will need medical attention immediately.
Your doctor will provide you with specific instructions on when to go to the hospital.