Signs of Labor

The Baby “Drops”

‘Baby drop’ or ‘lightning’ is experienced a few weeks prior to the onset of labor. A sense of heaviness is noted by first-time mothers and difficulty in breathing is also a common complaint due to pressure below the rib cage.

Braxton Hicks Contractions

Sometimes intense Braxton Hicks contractions or false labor pains are also felt prior to the onset of labor. During this stage, the cervix becomes soft or ripe, and true labor sets in. These contractions manifest as menstrual-like cramping feelings.

Cervical Changes

As you near your final month of gestation, your cervix begins to change. From a relatively hard constitution, the cervix becomes soft like lips. The cervix becomes thin and soft, sometimes it becomes a little open too.

The ladies who have given birth before have a more dilated cervix than those who are giving birth for the first time.
The cervical changes are noticed by your caregiver a few days prior to your due date.

Passage of Mucus Plug

Another common sign of labor is the passing of a bloody show or mucus plug. Thickened sticky blood-stained mucus is seen coming out from the cervix during the last days of the ninth month.

Water Bag Breaks

The fluid-filled sac of amniotic fluid protecting the baby ruptures and the amniotic water leaks through the vagina.
You should consult your doctor if the water leaks or trickles from the vagina. Generally, the water bag breaks with the onset of contractions, but sometimes water leaks first, and then contractions start.

If no painful contractions start even after the leaking of amniotic fluid, you should immediately call your doctor to avoid any infection from ascending to the fetus. Your doctor will give you a list of guidelines that should be kept in mind toward the end of your pregnancy.

You will also be told when to reach the birth center or the hospital. First-time mothers might feel confused with contractions and often feel hesitant in reporting their experiences to the doctors. Simply shed off this apprehension and tell your caregiver whatever your feel.

Every pregnancy is unique and different and no matter how well-versed you are with the usual symptoms of labor; still you should trust your instinct and seek immediate care from your care provider. Visit your doctor if you find anything uneasy or uncomfortable.

Read more about Labor

FAQ’s

1. Do Babies Move A Lot Before Labor?

Until labor starts, the baby will continue to move about normally, and this will continue throughout the first stages of labor as well. Yet, the pattern of motion might shift. The baby may squirm or wiggle about in the uterus rather than kick.

2. When Does Labor Pain Start?

Most pregnancies end in a live birth between the 37th and 42nd week. Regular contractions (tightening and relaxation of the uterus) are the most noticeable symptom of labor. They start off weak but build up in intensity, duration, and frequency with time.

3. Does Feeling Pressure Mean Labor Is Coming?

As the baby begins to go lower into the pelvis, it may begin to push on the cervix. While this may happen far before labor begins, it occasionally indicates that the cervix is beginning to dilate. In the final stages of labor, pelvic pressure is a frequent symptom. Pressure might also be felt in the rectum.