Pregnancy is a wonderful process, and each month to be spent before the birth of the child is eagerly awaited. Even though the nine months may feel like they pass by in a blink of an eye the third trimester and even more the ninth month come with their own changes. In this stage, it is important to know the clues that suggest that labor is imminent.
By identifying these below signs, you are mentally and physically set to go when your little one decides to come.
1. Contractions
One of the most obvious signs that labor is soon to start is contractions. Unlike the early contractions also known as Braxton Hicks contractions, true labor contractions are timed and become stronger with time.
What to Watch For:
- Increasing Duration: Contractions are the rhythmic signal of muscle tone in the uterus, and occurs at 40-60 seconds and does not decrease with a change in position.
- Consistency and Frequency: Frequency of contractions increases as time progresses and the contractions are intensified.
- Patterned Waves: True contractions are not fond of being mimicked, primarily because they tend to be regular, growing in intensity from just a dull pain.
If you perceive such changes, it is advisable to count how frequently the contractions are occurring to see if they are approaching in active labor intervals
2. Bloody Show or The Loss of Mucus Plug
During pregnancy, the cervix is blocked by a mucus plug formed to avoid bacteria penetration into the uterus. Before labor, this plug may come off and is commonly referred to as the “bloody show.”
What You May Experience:
- Changes in Vaginal Discharge: Stools may become more bulky, and whilst they may remain pale, they may be pink or even slightly red in colour.
- Partial or Full Plug Loss: When some women lose the mucous plug, they will shed it little by little; when others, on the other hand, will pass it in large measure all at once.
Bearing in mind that the mucous plug does not necessarily signal quick delivery, failure to produce one does not automatically mean early labor either; it simply indicates that your body is on standby for birth.
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3. Baby Drops
This term means the baby moves lower down in the pelvic region in preparation for birth. When the baby drops, there will be pressure off the upper abdomen, but pressure will be felt in the bladder and pelvic region.
Physical Changes to Expect:
- Easier Breathing: You may also have an easier time breathing as the baby moves lower in your abdomen.
- Frequent Urination: It brings pressure on the bladder hence more frequent periods in the bathroom.
- Changes in Walking: Symptoms can include some difficulty in walking, especially with pain in thighs and hips which may make you lean more forward, giving you the familiar waddle.
4. Cervix Dilation and Effacement
Effacement is the term used to describe the softening and the stretching of the cervix and dilation is the process where the cervix is expanded in anticipation for a birth. These changes are observed by your healthcare provider and are indices of labor readiness.
When to Check:
- Doctor’s Visit: Such appointments in the last one or two weeks before due date will examine cervical dilation.
- Physical Sensations: Most women don’t experience sensation changes during labour as cervical tissue doesn’t have nerve supply, but some women feel a sensation of tingling or pressure.
5. Cramps and Back Pain
Labour often begins with aching backs and menstrual pains which indicate the body is set for a birth. These aches may grow worse as labor nears, sometimes moving from the lower back to the lower stomach.
Managing Discomfort:
- Warm Compresses: It can often help to apply a warm pack to the lower back to sooth it’s ache.
- Massage and Stretching: Pain can be eased by gentle massage, or prenatal yoga.
- Rest and Hydration: It also saves one the intensity of these cramps when one stays hydrated and gets to have enough rest.
6. Loose Joints and Muscle Relaxation
In preparing for labour, the released hormone known as relaxin weakens the muscles and joints mostly around your pelvic region. This process makes easier for the baby to pass through the birth canal of the female body.
What to Notice:
- Looser Hips: Your hip joint should also feel looser than before and this will cause very slight alterations to the way that you walk.
- Pelvic Softening: You may also feel more comfortable down below as labor gets closer.
7. Diarrhea or Upset Stomach
Even in the days or the hours before beginning of labor, most women will note that their bowl movement has changed due to hormonal changes. This is the way your body prepares for childbirth by ridding itself of the substances in the stomach that it needs to free up for the birth process.
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How to Cope:
- Stay Hydrated: Take as much water as you would normally do to prevent yourself from getting a dehydrated.
- Stick to Light Foods: The best thing to do is to take foods that could easily be processed if you feel your tummy is sensitive.
- Restroom Access: The patient should remain close to a restroom in case diarrhea continues or becomes severe.
8. Nesting Instinct
Numerous pregnant women have an energy ‘spike’ in the week or days before going into labour accompanied by the compulsion to nest. This nesting instinct is perhaps as you prepare subconsciously and physically for labor, as your body gets ready for the big moment.
Signs of Nesting:
- Cleaning and Organizing: You might be spending much time washing utensils, rearranging furniture or cleaning the house.
- Detail-Oriented Tasks: For some women preparation continues up to the last trimester; for example packing a bag to take to the hospital or decorating the baby’s room.
- Energy Surge: If you feel energized and productive then, this may well be due to labor being imminent.
9. Lightning Crotch
”Lightning crotch” is an intense brief poke usually felt in the pelvic area or upper thighs when the baby’s head is pressing on nerves. While it can be shocking, it is quite common when you are pregnant at this stage.
Coping Tips:
- Breathing Exercises: Stomach ballooning is not an excuse to be sick but doing deep breathing will help to reduce the strength of the sensation.
- Position Changes: You can attempt to move around, or you can lie down in an effort to reposition the baby somewhat.
- Mindfulness Techniques: Using a mindfulness or relaxation technique can help minimise discomfort.
Additional Tips to Prepare for Labor
Create a Birth Plan
This can help reduce some of the anxiety involved and help you feel more prepared if you discuss organising a birth plan with your healthcare provider. Consider including:
- Preferred delivery method.
- Pain management options.
- Possible contacts for members of our family or friends.
Keep a Hospital Bag Ready
Preparing this bag in advance will come in handy when labor starts to make things easier on a woman. Include essentials like:
- Shirts for you and the little one.
- Clothing, personal items such as toothbrush, toothpaste, detergents, handkerchiefs, medications, money and other valuable documents.
- Essential necessities such as blankets, foods, and water bottle would also go along these travel kits.
Relaxation exercises
The reader should try the following relaxation techniques Relaxation techniques which the reader should try.
Taking deep breaths, explaining your situation to others, not worrying about losing control, or hardly controlling your actions, exercising, and doing prenatal yoga will help you fight anxiety and prepare for the birth.
Knowing how to use these techniques before labor simply makes it much easier to actually do so when the time is right.
Final Thoughts
We believe that this article has assisted you in a way identifying the signs that your delivery date is near. What you also need to remember is that all pregnancies are different, and not every woman will go through all the signs. If you do see any of these changes, don’t panic, because it is all part of the preparation process for labor.
Just take things for a day at a time, talking to your healthcare provider about your feelings and maintaining a positive outlook. Here is wishing you a delivering time that is both healthy, safe and joyful Blessed is the woman that has a joyful and safe delivering time.
