Signs of labor

27 Jul

As pregnant women approach to labor, a number of symptoms begin to show, such as contractions or tightening, breaking of the mucus plug, backache, urge to urinate, water breaking, etc. While these symptoms are common to all women, many women have a different experience with the sequence or the signs of labor approaching.

Signs that labor is close

During the weeks or days that lead up to labor, these signs are frequently seen:

The baby moves lower into the pelvis.

Called lightening, the baby drops lower into the pelvis, which makes it easier for mothers to breathe. This pre-labor baby movement relieves some of the pressure that had been on the diaphragm for many weeks, and the mother is suddenly able to breathe much easier again. However, this also puts more pressure on the bladder resulting in frequent urination or trips to the toilet. This movement can also occur just a few hours before the labor starts.

The cervix begins to efface (thin) and dilate (open)

As the last few weeks approach, the cervix, which is about 3.5 to 4 cm long, begins to stretch and thin. It is a sign of the uterus’s preparation for delivery. At a prenatal checkup, the health care provider will be able to observe the changes to the cervix and informs the pregnant mother about it.

Nesting instinct

The nesting instinct makes women want to be more organized and get the home ready for the baby’s arrival. Many women also experience increased energy and enthusiasm about what is in the near future.

Signs of Imminent Labor

Loss of mucus plug

During pregnancy, a thick mucus layer blocks the cervical opening to keep bacteria from entering the uterus. As labor approaches, the dilation and relaxation of the cervix cause the plug to detach and discharge. The plug appears as a thick, clear, pink, or bloodies mucus that stretches.

Membrane rupture

Popularly known as the ‘water breaking,’ this is one of the most common Labor signs before contractions begin. The membrane rupture causes the amniotic fluid to leak out and drip slowly. 1 in 10 women experiences this event as a dramatic gush of fluid. Since the amniotic fluid is an odorless substance, it can be distinguished from urine.

Pain in the abdomen and lower back

One of the first signs of labor pain appears as pain in the abdomen and lower back that does not go away with a change in position.

Consistent contractions

The strongest sign of the start of labor is experiencing regular uterine contractions that might feel like extreme period pains. These contractions are different from the Braxton Hicks contractions, which are usually painless. Labor contractions timing can be spaced initially as far apart as 20 to 30 minutes. As time progresses, the labor contractions frequency begins to fall shorter and occur every 10 or 15 minutes or less. Finally, if the contractions consistently occur every 5 minutes, it is time to alert the doctor.

Conclusion

There a number of signs associated with labor starting from the loss of mucus plug to the start of contractions. The only certain sign of imminent labor is strong and regular contractions that are spaced 5 to 10 minutes apart.

References:

https://americanpregnancy.org/healthy-pregnancy/labor-and-birth/signs-of-labor-771/

https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/labour-and-birth/signs-of-labour/signs-that-labour-has-begun/

https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/labour-and-birth/what-happens/the-stages-of-labour-and-birth/

https://health.clevelandclinic.org/signs-that-labor-is-24-to-48-hours-away/

https://www.marchofdimes.org/pregnancy/contractions-and-signs-of-labor.aspx