This is It: Recognizing The True Signs of Labor
Nine months have past, and everyday you wake up with an increasing hopeful anticipation mixed with anxiety, because any day now could be the day you see the baby that’s been growing within you. But with all the discomforts you’ve been feeling (such as backache, fatigue, fat ankles, vaginal discharges, etc.), how can you tell when your baby and your body have decided it’s time? Here are the most common symptoms that your labor has begun:
- The show
Pregnant women have increased vaginal discharges as a result of hormone surges, but this discharge will be different. It is thick and often tinged with blood. This pinkish discharge is actually the mucus plug that has protected your cervix for nine months. It has been released, because your cervix is getting ready to open up.
- Contractions
You’ve felt this tightening of the uterine muscles before, but they always went away after some time. True labor contractions don’t go away – instead, they begin mild and increase in frequency, length and severity as the labor progresses. At first, it will only be a little bothersome, but then in active labor, many women scream in pain because of this. It pays to listen to your body and count and time your contractions to see whether they are regular and frequent.
- The flow
For many women, once labor starts, the bag of water that has housed the baby in the womb ruptures. This is why there’s a sudden flow of water from the vagina. “The waterbag broke” is a household expression, and it’s because contractions have started. If your water bag does rupture, you will need to go to the hospital right away. In some cases, it may not. If it doesn’t, it’s not an indication that you’re not in labor. Your doctor may have to manually rupture it as your baby is delivered.
Once you encounter these symptoms, you can ask someone to drive you to the hospital so you and your baby can be assessed and monitored as you go through the rest of your labor period and transition into birthing.
Read more of our articles on labor and delivery
Labor and Delivery - Where Would You Like to Give Birth?
Common Signs for Labor and Delivery
Labor and Delivery - Last Minute Planning and Organization
Laws on Labor and Giving Birth in the USA
Pain Management During Labor
Recognizing True from False Labor
What are the Reasons for Inducing Labor
What is a Birth Plan?
What To Do When The Water Breaks
Recognizing Braxton - Hicks Contractions
Touring the Delivery Room: What to Expect
Have a Musical Labor: Sounds That Soothe
Who Should Be Present in the Delivery Room?
Factors to Consider When Setting the Environment for Labor and Delivery
What is a Dad’s Role during Mom’s Labor and Delivery?
Is Eating Really Discouraged While in Labor?
Using Guided Imagery during Labor and Delivery
This is It: Recognizing The True Signs of Labor
Packing Your Hospital Delivery Bag
Birth Trauma: Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
When Your Newborn and You aren’t In Love at First Sight
Myths of Natural Labor Inducing Substances
|
