Signs and symptoms of labor

Dr. Sarita Jain Dr. Sarita Jain Apr 19, 2018 1384 0

Signs and symptoms of labor

Signs and symptoms of labor

Pregnancy period is one of the most frustrating yet enjoyable periods that no would-be-mother will ever forget. Last stage of pregnancy is labor, well known as labor pain and after going through this pain you will have your baby in arms. Although, there is no exact way for predicting when labor will actually start but, from past few time signs and symptoms of labor have been watched out that help in knowing whether or not you are ready for delivery. You will notice some early signs of labor, but this does means that birth of your baby is really near as it is still days or weeks away. Before giving birth, body basically start preparing for labor, so during this time you will definitely notice some new signs which means that date is approaching. Increase urge to urinate, thinning of Cervix, burst of energy and diarrhea is few signs of labor.

Common symptoms of labor -

There are many signs and symptoms that will help you in identifying labor has started or about to start. So, here are some of the common signs of labor –

Crowning -

For ladies, who have gone through pregnancy before, signs of labor for them may be less hectic in comparison to the first timers or expectant mothers. In case, if mother waits for long period of time then the baby can crown on the way to hospital. Crowning is basically preceded by breaking of bags of water and dilation. Crowning is one of the well known signs of labor.

Contractions -

The most common symptom of labor is strong and regular contractions. It usually last for more than 30 seconds and frequently in every 4 to 5 minutes. In case, if contradictions charge or increase to a patterned set then labor can start.

Cervix dilates -

Along with above mentioned signs, during labor cervix too starts preparing for birth. It starts to open and thin out days or weeks before you actually prepare for delivery. During your weekly checkups in home stretch pregnancy, your doctor may track dilation and measure effacement with help of an internal exam. But, each and every person progresses differently, so do not feel discouraged in case you are dilating slow or even not at all.

Feel extra urge for rest-

There are so many ladies that feel an extra urge for rest during their pregnancy period and this especially starts with labor. So, if you also feel you require extra urge for rest then know your labor is about to start. Sometimes, you will even feel you are traveled backward and that time will also require some good sleep in night especially during last weeks of pregnancy.

Water breaks -

When fluid-filled amniotic surrounding your baby ruptures start leaking from vagina, whether it come out in small trickle or large gush, this is a sign that you should call your midwife or doctor. This is one of the most common and well-known signs indicating that your labor has started. In fact, it is advisable that you see your physician and do not have any sexual intercourse or use tampons or do any such thing which can introduce bacteria in your vagina. Take help of health care provider and know whether the fluid is odorless and clear and if it clean or foul smelling.

Mucus plug passes -

Passage of mucus plug is also a known sign of labor that indicates labor is near. The thick mucus which is produced by cervical opening close during pregnancy that’s why, this mucus should be expelled before delivery. Pressure from baby’s head causes mucus plug to express from vagina, sometimes as blood tinged vaginal discharge. While in some cases, mucus plug do not expelled until labor begins. Not only this, many ladies also notice mucus discharge in days prior to labor.

Back pain -

For expecting lady, backache is normal but when labor begins pain become more pronounced and even start with contractions. That’s why it is important that, any kind of back pain should be discussed with your obstetrician or nutritionist. Along with backache, most of the ladies also go through loosening of joints especially in pelvic area as third trimester progresses, for preparation of delivery.