Early Signs of Labor and Contractions : Complete Guide

Signs of labor before your due date can help you feel ready for your baby’s birth. Signs of labor include strong and regular contractions, pain in your belly and lower back, a bloody mucus discharge and your water breaking.If you think you’re in labor, call your health care provider. Not all contractions mean you’re in true labor. Learning the difference between true and false labor can help you know when it’s the real thing.

Contractions are when the uterine muscles tighten and then relax. Contractions help push the baby out of the womb. The cervix is ​​the opening of the uterus at the top of the vagina. At the beginning of labor, the cervix will dilate).

As you approach the due date, learning the signs of labor can help you feel ready for labor and delivery. If you have any labor pain symptoms, call your healthcare provider.

Many pregnant moms have wondered how labor will feel, how long it will last, and how to know whether it’s the real deal or a false alarm.

Signs of Labor

Several signs may begin to work, including:

• Shrink or tighten.

• When the mucus blockage on your cervix (into the uterus) disappears.

• Backache.

• The urge to go to the toilet, which is caused by the baby’s head pressing on the intestines

• Your water breaks (membrane breaks).

• The early (potential) stages of labor may take some time.

Incubation Period.

The beginning of labor is called the incubation period. This is when your cervix softens and thins and begins to open for the birth of your baby. This may take several hours, for some women it may take several days.

It recommends that you stay at home during this time. If you go to the hospital or obstetrics department, they may suggest you go home.

If you are unsure or worried about anything, please call your midwife.

How does the Contraction Feel?

During contraction, the uterus will tighten and then relax. For some people, contractions may feel like extreme pain.

You may have Contractions And Signs of Labor (especially later in pregnancy). These contractions are called Braxton Hicks contractions and are usually painless.

As labor progresses, your contractions will become longer, stronger, and more frequent. During the contraction, the muscles tighten, and the pain increases. If you put your hands on your abdomen, you will feel more and more difficult. When the muscles relax, the pain disappears and you will feel less firmness.

The contractions cause the baby to sag and open the entrance to the uterus (cervix) for the baby to pass.

Your midwife may advise you to stay at home until contractions are frequent.

When your contractions are in a normal state, please call your midwife for guidance:

If you plan to take your child to the maternity ward, please call the hospital.

What are False Labor and Braxton-Hicks Contractions?

Not all contractions mean you are laboring. You may contract intermittently before the actual labor begins. These contractions are false labor or Braxton-Hicks contractions. They soft and thin the cervix and help your body prepare for labor and delivery. You may feel them in the weeks leading up to the expiration date.

Knowing the difference between a true labor contraction and a false labor contraction can help you understand when you are actually in labor.

It is difficult to tell the difference between real and fake workers. When you feel the contractions for the first time, time them. Note the time from the start of one contraction to the next contraction. Note the strength of the contraction.

Record your contractions for 1 hour. Walk or move around to see if the contractions stop when changing positions.

Early Signs of Labor 

During pregnancy, there is a blockage of mucus in the cervix. The plug disappears before labor or premature labor, and you may leak it from the vagina. This small amount of sticky, jelly-like pink slime called performance.

It may disappear in the form of a group or a few groups. It is pink because it has been stained with blood. It is normal to lose a small amount of blood mixed with mucus.

If you are losing more blood, it may indicate a problem, please call your hospital or midwife immediately.

The display indicates that the cervix is ​​beginning to open. Labor may follow up quickly or it may take several days. Some women did not perform.

What happens When Water Breaks?

Most women’s water breaks during childbirth, but it can also happen before labor begins.

Your unborn baby develops and grows in a fluid bag called the amniotic sac. When your baby is born, the sac will usually rupture and the amniotic fluid will drain through the vagina. This is your water. Sometimes when you are giving birth, the midwife or doctor may offer to interrupt your life.

If your water breaks naturally, you may feel uncontrollable slow dripping or sudden gushing of water. For this reason, you can keep sanitary napkins (instead of tampons) convenient when you go out, and put a protective sheet on the bed.

Amniotic fluid is clear and the straw is pale in color. Sometimes it is difficult to distinguish amniotic fluid from urine. When your water breaks, the water may start to stain a little.

Labor is Not Getting the Start After Waters Break

Most women go to labor within 24 hours after the water break. If you don’t do this, you will be informed of the trigger, because if there is no amniotic fluid, the baby’s risk of infection will increase.

Until your labor start, or if you choose to wait for natural childbirth, please tell the midwife immediately in the following situations:

• Your baby moves less than usual.

• Any change in the color or smell of the fluid in the vagina when awake.

• The body temperature should check every 4 hours, and the midwife should be informed whether it is elevated. The elevated temperature is usually higher than 37.5°C, but you may need to call before that – contact the midwife.

• There is no evidence that bathing or showering after the water flow breaks increases the risk of infection, but sex may occur.

How to deal with the Beginning of Labor

At the beginning of labor, you can:

• Walk or walk around.

• If you like to drink liquids – you may find that sports drinks (isotonic drinks) help maintain energy levels in the body.

• Eat snacks, although many women do not feel very hungry, some people feel or feel unwell.

• After trying relaxation and breathing exercises, you will learn how to deal with these problems because they will become stronger and more painful.

• Your partner can help by doing these things with you Let your partner rub your back. This can relieve pain. Follow the instructions on the package to take paracetamol.

• Take a warm bath.

In the Following Cases, Please Call your Midwife or Doctor:

• Your water breaks.

• You are bleeding.

• Your baby moves less than usual.

• You are less than 37 weeks pregnant and think you may be working.

These signs mean you need to see a midwife or doctor.