There are a few signs and symptoms of labour during pregnancy which women should be aware of. They should also consult their friends and relatives for advice for dealing with the situation.
The most amazing thing about labour is that it varies from woman to woman, it is different for everyone. Therefore, it is not really easy to figure out which of that physical sign is your sign of labour. But there are certainly some specific changes that are noticed in pre-labour, early labour and active labour.
Pregnancy can be a wonderful experience but also scary. Every woman has a different story to relate and you should take advice from family, friends and the doctor for sure. You need to be particularly aware of the signs and symptoms of labour when it is nearing your time. It can be unexpected. These signs indicate that you are in your last week of pregnancy and they can start anytime. Talking to your midwife is the best way to figure out what to do when you are in active labour. There will be times when you will not be sure whether or not the time has come, but you should not hesitate to make that call. It is only normal for midwives to get calls from women who are uncertain about their situation of labour.
Mucous Plug
If you have lost your mucous plug, it is a sign of impending labour. Function of mucous during pregnancy is to protect the cervix for bacterial infections. Before going into labour, the cervix has to relax and for this reason, mucous plug is removed. The term plug actually means the clear or pink discharge from vagina which performs the function such of a plug when intact.
Cervix
Your cervix starts thinning out when delivery is impending. This thinning out can be noticed by the doctor in your tests. If your cervix becomes completes this process, the vaginal delivery can be expected.
Breaking of Water
Some women can feel the breaking of amniotic sac holding which releases the amniotic fluid. The amniotic fluid is needed to cushion the baby during your pregnancy. This breaking of water is a sign of impending labour. If you are one of those women who actually notice this, contact your doctor immediately.
Nesting
If you find yourself very energetic and worrying about the arrangement and cleanliness in your house in your last days of pregnancy, it is a phenomenon called nesting. You are supposed to be overtired due to bearing the baby for so long and sudden urge to be very active would indicate that labour is near.
Contractions
If you are starting to have strong and consistent contractions, it indicates that you are in labour. If you begin to have regular contractions, note down their frequency. They can feel like severe menstrual cramps or lower backaches. The time to visit your doctor is when you find your contractions to be only five minutes apart. It is time to bring your baby in this world.
Any of the signs and symptoms mentioned above does signal that labour and delivery would come soon. The baby prepares for its delivery a few weeks before labour. Baby will go lower in the woman’s pelvis which will give relief to the mother from short breaths.
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