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The Signs Of True Labor
If you've never given birth before, you may assume that you'll just "know" when the time has arrived to have your baby. In reality, the onset of true labor isn't always easy to identify, and the events leading up to it can drag on for days. Remember, too, that your due date is simply a point of reference -- it's normal for labor to start any time between three weeks before and two weeks after this date.
So how will you know that labor is starting? First, you need to understand the birth process. In a nutshell, here's what happens during labor: The uterus repeatedly contracts (tightens and relaxes), causing the cervix to thin (efface) and open up (dilate) so you can push your baby into the world.
Labor May Be Nearing If You Notice One Or More Of These Signs:
- Lightening: This happens when your baby's head "drops" down into your pelvis. Your belly will suddenly look lower and you'll have an easier time catching your breath than you did when your baby was crowding your lungs. The downside, though, is that he's now pressing on your bladder, increasing your need to urinate. For first-time mothers, lightening usually occurs a few weeks before birth. For veteran moms, it may not happen until labor has begun.
- Bloody show: If you have blood-tinged or brownish vaginal discharge, it means your cervix has dilated enough to expel the mucus plug that sealed it for the last nine months. This is a good sign, but active labor may still be days away.
- Your baby moves less: Women often notice that their baby is less active the day before labor kicks in. No one is sure why this might be, but one theory is that the baby is simply saving his energy for the big event.
- Your water breaks: When the amniotic sac ruptures, you'll feel fluid leak from your vagina in a trickle or a gush. For most women, contractions follow shortly thereafter. But even if they don't, let your caregiver know as soon as you think your water has broken. In about 1 in 10 women, contractions don't begin on their own within 24 hours. If this happens, your labor may need to be induced, since the likelihood of infection goes up once your baby's sterile bubble bursts. For other women, the amniotic sac doesn't rupture until labor is well underway.
- Diarrhea: If you feel a frequent urge to empty your bowels and your stools are looser than normal, labor may be imminent.
- Nesting: There's no scientific proof linking it to the onset of labor, but plenty of mothers-to-be are gripped by a sudden urge to "nest" -- to vacuum the entire house at 3 a.m., say, or put those last, finishing touches on the nursery -- right before labor begins.
False Labor
Most expectant mothers feel mild contractions before they're actually in labor. These are called Braxton Hicks contractions. It can be hard to distinguish Braxton Hicks contractions from the real deal, especially if you're near your due date. If contractions aren't causing your cervix to dilate, though, it's known as "false" labor. While true labor contractions get longer, stronger, and closer together as time goes on, false labor contractions tend to be:
- Irregular: Braxton Hicks contractions are sporadic, have no predictable pattern, and usually stop if you rest or change positions.
- Felt in your belly and your groin: True labor contractions, on the other hand, usually "wrap around" from your back to your belly. If Braxton Hicks contractions are making you uncomfortable, take a warm bath and drink plenty of fluids to control them and ease discomfort.
Calling Your Caregiver
Alert your caregiver if you feel increasing pelvic pressure, have vaginal bleeding or heavy discharge, or notice a marked decrease in your baby's activity. She can talk you through these changes and decide if you need to come in for an exam.
And, of course, let your doctor or midwife know when regular contractions begin. These may feel like your uterus is "knotting up" and be relatively painless at first, but gradually build in intensity, starting at the top of your uterus and radiating through your belly and lower back. Your caregiver will want to know what other symptoms you're feeling, how far apart your contractions are, and whether you can talk during them.
Once labor has started in earnest, when should you go to the hospital? Every situation is different, so talk to your caregiver well ahead of delivery day about the best plan for you. In general, though, expectant mothers should head to the hospital when their contractions last 60 seconds or more and have been coming five minutes apart for at least an hour.
Preterm Labor
Sometimes contractions cause the cervix to efface and dilate before 37 weeks of pregnancy. This is called preterm labor. A uterine or vaginal infection or a host of other health problems can bring on preterm labor. For unknown reasons, some women are more prone to it than others.
The symptoms of preterm labor are similar to the symptoms of labor that begins at term. If you notice any of the pre-labor signs listed above or feel strong, regular contractions before 37 weeks, call your caregiver right away. After examining you to see if your cervix is effacing or dilating, she may recommend that you avoid intercourse, exertion, and stress and get as much rest as possible to stave off further contractions.
Reviewed By: Peter Chen, M.D., Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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