Towards the end of pregnancy our body begins to send us signals These tests indicate that the pregnancy is nearing its end and that delivery is approaching. Most are not conclusive and do not give a delivery date; they simply prepare us for it. This is known as... prodrome of labor.
We will usually start noticing the calls Braxton Hicks contractionsAs our due date approaches, they become more intense and frequentso much so that we sometimes confuse them with labor contractions. The clearest difference is that Braxton Hicks contractions are usually irregular (duration, frequency and intensity) and that usually yield to rest or when changing position. To distinguish them from true ones, observe if a regular patternand increase with time and if each one lasts between 60 and 90 seconds.
Prepartum symptoms
"Nest syndrome"How many times have we heard it and not believed it? In many cases, the mother at the end of her pregnancy needs to see everything around her. end of pregnancy Clean and ready to receive your baby, and you're thoroughly tidying up. My advice: Avoid climbing stairsDo not use harsh products and Take it easyIt's also normal to notice a sudden energy surge or, on the contrary, greater fatigue.
Pelvic discomfortAt the end of the pregnancy, the baby lowers her little head and it rests on our pelvis, so we will start to have more discomfort in the pelvis, pressure on the pubis and walking or changing position will be more difficult. It is also common to low back pain And that sleeping is difficult. Patience.
Other common prodromesMany women notice changes in the perception of baby's movements (It feels strong but with fewer "kicks" because it has less space), leg cramps, vivid dreams related to childbirth and difficulty to sleepAll these changes reflect that the body and mind are becoming... preparando.
Little by little the contractions will become rhythmic and annoyingThis causes the cervix to gradually thin, soften, and dilate. It is a generally longwhich sometimes tires us out and makes us believe that our labor has been very long when it hasn't even started yet. This is what professionals call latent phase, in which the cervix should "efface" (thin) and begin to dilate. It is currently considered that active labor It usually starts around 6 cm dilation and with regular and intense contractions, although every woman and every birth They are unique. As a general guideline, you will notice that the contractions increase in intensity and it happens less time between one and the next: a typical pattern of childbirth is to have contractions every 2–5 minutes, 60–90 seconds of duration.
Differences between Braxton Hicks and labor contractions
- Regularity: The birthing process follows a regular pattern and increasingly frequent; practice sessions are irregular.
- Duration: Labor usually lasts 60–90 secTraining ones vary greatly.
- Intensity: in childbirth increases over time and makes it difficult to speak; practice speech does not progress.
- Response to the movement: and of change postureIf the symptoms decrease when you hydrate or shower, it's probably not labor.
A practical rule at home is the 3-1-1 (contractions every 3 minutes, lasting 1 minute, for 1 hour) or the classic 5-1-1These are general guidelines: your team can give you instructions solutions.
Phases of labor
- Dilatation (early and active). In the early phase there is cervical changes (initial effacement and dilation), milder and more spaced-out contractions. In the active phase, the contractions are more regularintense, and the neck progresses more rapidly from approximately 6 cm until full dilation.
- Expulsive (straining). A desire appears to Push With each contraction, the baby descends and is born.
- Delivery (Placenta). The placenta is expelled with milder contractions; the team monitors bleeding and immediate recovery.
When am I going to the hospital?
Indeed, at some point it will be advisable to go to the hospital. The appropriate time will depend on the previous births and the distance to whichever maternity ward is located. Ideally, you should bring one hour more or less with these types of contractions, but keep in mind that if you live in a big city or far from the maternity ward, the travel time It's essential. As a guide, many women turn to it when they're following their period. 3-1-1 o 5-1-1or if they feel a intense pelvic pressure or the urge to push.
If it's you first birthYou'll usually have more time to get organized. If you've already been a mother, your neck may... erase and delay at once: Don't wait that long and go when the contractions become regular and more intense, although not yet every 5 minutes.
Precautions
When we already have more children, it's not advisable to wait so long, because the cervix... dilates and fades at the same time; as soon as the contractions become regular We'll have to start preparing. We shouldn't expect them to be every five minutes, as I mentioned before: if you already know the feeling If you're in labor, as soon as you're sure it's starting, to hospital.
The amniotic sac may rupture or "Bag of waters". You will notice a drip or chorro of fluid coming from the vagina that you can't control. In that case, labor usually starts within a few hours. What to watch for? liquid color: Yes it is light or straw-colored And if the baby moves, there's room to organize yourself; if it's greenish or brown (possible meconium), if Smells bad or you have feverContact us and come in for an evaluation. Note the hour and avoid toilets in a pool or bathtub, sexual relations and tampons.
Throughout this time, keep in mind that it is it is essential to feel the babyHis movements are a sign that he's okay; if you notice that it moves less If you're feeling unwell, don't wait: go to your center. Also, seek help if you have bright red bleeding with pain, headache intense with visual disturbances o sudden swelling (possible preeclampsia), constant pain that does not yield between contractions or signs of premature birth before 37 weeks.
What to do at home during the latent phase
- move on gentle: walks, pelvic rocking, birthing ball.
- Warm shower or bath to relieve tension if your water hasn't broken.
- Breathing and relaxation learned in prenatal classes.
- Hydration and light mealsIt saves energy for the asset.
- Sleep Between contractions; pack your bag and review your birth plan.
Common signs in the hours and days prior
- FittingYour belly drops; you breathe better, but there's more pelvic pressure and the urge to urinate.
- Increased vaginal discharge or expulsion from mucous plug with a possible pink/brown tint.
- Irregular contractions (Braxton Hicks) who can become more . as the birth approaches.
- Lumbar pain, Cramps on legs, nausea mild or a feeling of Fatigue.
Quick FAQ
What are the initial contractions like? They usually start as a pressure in the back and lower abdomen, are made rhythmic and increasingly intense until talking during them becomes difficult.
What if my water breaks without contractions? Contact your team. Sometimes the body It starts on its own in a few hours; other times it is assessed induction to reduce the risk of infection if too much time passes.
Does the mucus plug mean immediate delivery? Not necessarily. It can be brought forward. daysIt's a sign of neck preparation, not immediacy.
When should you go without hesitation? If the liquid is greenish/brown or a strong smell, if there is one bright red bleeding with pain, decreased movements of the baby, fever or if your contractions are fulfilled 3-1-1/5-1-1 and they are very intense.
The end of pregnancy brings emotions and doubts, but your body usually give advance noticeLearn to recognize the signs (regular contractions, rupture of membranes, changes in the neck and baby movements) and know when to go It will bring you calm. Surround yourself with support, listen to your body, and stay in touch with your team: this is how you will experience the beginning of labor. more secure and confident.
