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Is This Really Labor?
Your body will usually give you clues that labor is
beginning. You need to familiarize yourself with these signs.
Getting Ready
These are the signs that labor may be approaching,
although they are not necessarily predictors of labor. They are good signs that your body
is doing what is necessary to prepare for the birth. Some women notice them and others do
not, either way is perfectly normal for you. You should not worry if you do not
notice these signs.
- A sudden burst of energy or the "nesting
instinct"
- Lightening or Dropping of the baby (you may be able to
breathe easier and urinate more)
- An upset stomach
- Diarrhea
- Bloody show (this may be the cervix beginning to open, or
from sex or a vaginal exam)
- Loss of your mucous plug
Determining Labor
Most women are worried about knowing when they are in
labor, and are unsure of when to call their care provider. Talk to your care provider
about when they want to be notified about labor and use the following as your guidelines
for labor.
True Labor
- Contractions get stronger and closer together
- Contractions are in a fairly regular pattern
- Walking or changing position makes them stronger
- Contractions are usually felt beginning in the back and
moving forward
- Cervix opens and thins
There is pre labor that is very similar to labor, and can
be experienced as painful. Even if it has been determined that you are not in "real
labor," do not despair, for every contraction is one step closer to your baby.
Braxton - Hicks or Pre Labor
- Contractions remain the same strength, distance, and
length
- Contractions may be irregular
- Walking or changing position does not affect the
contractions
- These contractions may be felt up high in the front
Rupture of Membranes
Sometimes labor begins with the bag of waters or
membranes rupture, however, this usually does not happen until very late in labor. If your
water breaks you may notice a near constant trickle of fluid from the vagina or a sudden
gush. You should talk to your care giver about when to call about your waters breaking,
but you should definitely notify them if you experience the following:
- Fluid is not clear, but green or brownish
- You have a fever
It is important to not place anything inside the vagina,
so avoid:intercourse, baths, and vaginal exams
Everyone experiences labor in a different manner. What
you experience may be totally different from what you have read about. Trust your body.
This preparation may seem to take forever, but your body and baby are making very
important changes in preparation for the birth! |
