Signs of Labor

Answer 1

The six signs that one may be in labor are as follows: 1. The feeling of being able to breathe more freely where ones baby has moved down. 2. A loss of the cervical mucus plug. 3. Water breaking, which only happens as a large gush for 10% of women. 4. A sudden spurt of energy during which one feels the urge to start cleaning and changing rooms around. 5. Thinning of the cervix. 6. Opening of the cervix.

Answer 2

Uterine contractions are the official start of childbirth. Unfortunately, the first contractions are not as recognizable as people think. Many sensations can be confused with early contractions and some are not even felt. The last days before childbirth may find a woman so uncomfortable that the first contractions pass unnoticed in the haze of all of the other changes and sensations a body about to give birth is undergoing. There are clearer signals that labor is coming but they are different for everyone. If there is more than one signal, it should be considered as a stronger signal. Back pain, Stomach Pain or Stomach Ache Back pain, stomach pain or ache could be very early contractions or false contractions. They could also be symptoms of dehydration. If the mother to be is not drinking plenty of water, she should be. If these pains subside and return, they should be timed to determine whether or not they are contractions. Pains that last less than a minute and return every 4 to 7 minutes are probably contractions. The Baby's Head Moves Down Into The pelvis. When the baby's head drops, the belly is lower and the head is pressing on the bladder. Most pregnant women are able to distinguish the baby's head from other parts of the baby's body in the last trimester. This can also occur a few weeks before birth but this is a sign that labor is imminent. Vaginal Discharge When there is vaginal discharge that is bloody or brownish it means the cervix has begun to dilate. Labor may not start for a few more days. Bleeding or even a little bit of pink on the toilet paper mean the doctor should be notified. Baby is more still. Babies often stop moving just before birth. If the baby has not moved for several hours, the doctor or midwife should be notified. Leakage or Gushing Fluid that is leaking from the vagina either gushing or just dribbling means the amniotic sac has ruptured. This is a sure sign that labor has begun and the practitioner must be called. Contractions in the Final Stage of Labor The final stage of labor, just before the baby is born comes with severe and unmistakable labor contractions. In almost all cases, there will be many other signals that labor has begun. It is very rare that these last contractions that are just before the actual birth come without many warning signals.