You are in the final stretch of pregnancy and the desired time to see your baby is finally approaching. It is likely that during these weeks or days until you give birth, you feel a certain nervousness at the uncertainty of knowing if you will know recognize the signs once it is time to deliver.
It is normal that, even if you know the theory by heart, you have countless doubts and that you even think that you are in labor when you are not yet, especially if you are a new mother. But calm down, you are a woman and your body is perfectly designed to send you warnings that the big moment is coming. Trust your instincts and pay attention to the signs that we tell you below.
How do you know if you are in labor? Signs that the moment is near
The weeks or days before delivery, your own body will give you signs that the date is close. They are called prodromes. These signs do not always occur at the same time, or with the same intensity, since each woman and each pregnancy are different. In general, the changes that indicate that the time to give birth is near, are the following.
Baby fit
In the final stretch of pregnancy, there is usually a descent of the baby that fits into the pelvis preparing for the future delivery. You will feel that your abdomen has dropped which will relieve the pressure on your ribs and stomach, allowing you to breathe better. However, you will notice an increase in pressure in the pelvis. In some women, the nesting occurs weeks before delivery, while in others it occurs a few hours before or during the delivery itself.
Dilation of the cervix
In order for your baby to pass through the birth canal, your uterus will need to dilate to four inches. Although most of the dilation process occurs during childbirth, it is likely that begin a few days before to soften and dilate a few centimeters. This is what is known as effacement of the cervix.
During the check-ups, your gynecologist or midwife will examine the state of your uterus to determine if the delivery is near.
Expulsion of the mucous plug
The mucous plug is a dense, gelatinous substance that is found protecting the entrance of the uterus to protect your baby from possible infections. As the moment approaches, the cervix begins to dilate or thin, so it is likely that you will notice a kind of whitish or brownish discharge that may be accompanied by streaks of blood. It is the mucous plug and can be expelled weeks or hours before or during delivery.
Increasingly intense and rhythmic contractions
During the last weeks of pregnancy, you will have noticed a series of non-painful contractions that disappear when changing positions or resting. They are called Braxton Hicks contractions and they happen mostly at the end of the day or when you are very tired. As the time to give birth approaches, these contractions will intensify and become more regular and painful. In addition, unlike the previous ones, they do not disappear when you rest or change your position. When you feel that contractions are every five minutes or less, for at least an hour, the time has come to go to the hospital or notify your midwife of birth at home.
Bag break
When the sac containing the amniotic fluid that protects your baby ruptures, a large amount of fluid is released through your vagina.
If the liquid is clear, you should go to the hospital or your midwife, although calmly and without an emergency nature. If the liquid is greenish or thick, you should go immediately to the hospital.
Sometimes, the rupture of the bag can be accompanied by some blood. This usually happens because the mucous plug has been expelled at the same time. It is nothing worrisome, but you should go calmly to your hospital or midwife.
The bag tends to rupture as a result of contractions. Sometimes it breaks without contractions and other times it does not break and the baby is born wrapped in it.
Diarrhea
Some women don't take it into account, but the appearance of diarrhea and abdominal cramps is often an indicator that labor is near. Diarrhea it usually occurs a few hours before labor begins.
What are the false symptoms of childbirth?
- Contractions that do not increase in intensity or periodicity over time.
- Contractions that disappear when changing posture, walking, or resting.
- Loss of fluid or mucous substance with threads of blood that may be due to the expulsion of the mucous plug.
When should you go to the hospital or to your midwife?
- If you have rhythmic and painful contractions every five minutes or less, for at least an hour.
- You break a bag of amniotic fluid. With tranquility if the liquid is clear and urgently if it is greenish or thick.
- If fever, severe abdominal or headache occurs.
- You haven't noticed your baby's movements all day.
- You have vaginal bleeding of intensity similar to that of a menstruation.
I hope this post helps you identify the signs to know when you are in labor. Remember that each pregnancy and each delivery is different, so not all women have to present these symptoms in the same way and at the same time. In any case, always keep in touch with your midwife or gynecologist and follow their recommendations to know when you are and how to act.
Happy delivery and happy birth!