Going into labor after a long pregnancy is one of those bittersweet moments in life that we anticipate. Your baby is about to be born and you couldn’t be happier. This is also the moment where everything changes for you. The days or weeks before your labor is the time where you are most curious and worried. When will you start your labor? Will it be painful? Will it take a long time or will it be quick? All these questions are hard to answer, but there is one question that we can help you with. When will you know it’s near and when it is occurring? We’ve categorized the clear labor signs. These are the most common signs that happen when you go into labor. Pay attention to them; these are a sign that it’s time for your baby to say hello to the world.
Your Baby Starts to Descend
A few weeks before you labor, you’ll start to notice that your baby is descending into your pelvis. This is due to your baby getting into position of birth. Their head is turned down and low for an easier exit. This is a time where you will urinate a lot more. This is because the baby is pushing down on your bladder, making you urinate more often. Another thing you will notice is that your walk is a bit different. You tend to waddle more and have a harder time to walk for long periods. A positive thing about your baby descending is that you will be able to breathe a lot better since the baby is not near your lungs.
Dilation
You’d often hear measurements of your cervix during your checkups when you are nearing labor. This is often used to measure and track your dilation. This is when the cervix is starting to prepare itself for birth. Some people may experience faster dilation and effacement. Some may take a lot longer. Do not worry if you progress differently. So, do not be discouraged if you are not yet dilating when you are near your due date.
Back Pain and Cramps
You will experience a bit of back pain and cramps throughout your pregnancy, but you will start to experience it more a few weeks before you go into labor. This is especially true for women that have already given birth. This is due to your joints and muscles shifting and stretching prepares your body for birth. If you experience cramps and back pain that is too severe or painful talk to your medical professional immediately.
Diarrhea
This is something a lot of new mothers do not expect, but it is a common sign in most women. This is mostly due to your muscles relaxing before labor. The muscles in the uterus will start to relax before birth; this includes your bladder and rectum. This can lead to different bowel movement problems. This can be a bit annoying. This is why doctors advise you to reduce solid food consumption to reduce the chances that you do number 2 while giving birth. Before labor makes sure to drink lots of water to keep you hydrated.
You Lose Weight or Stop Gaining Weight
It’s common for women to gain weight in the beginning and the middle of their pregnancy, and most experience that their weight start to level off at the end of their pregnancy. This is completely normal and will not affect your baby’s weight. He will still gain weight, while you lose. This is due to your body loosing amniotic fluid; equaling more bathroom breaks.
Vaginal Discharge
In the last few days before labor you will notice that your vaginal discharge will become thicker and even change in color. It may appear mucus like to pinkish. This is called the bloody show, a great indicator that you are nearing labor.
A shocking thing about labor that not a lot know is waters breaking. This is a sign that is commonly shown in movies and television, but it is not as common as you think. About 10 to 15% if labors begin with their water breaking. It is also a possibility that your amniotic fluid to break, but only a little – this can actually heal. People that do not go into labor after a major break in 72 to 96 hours are usually induced into labor. We hope that these signs are able to give you an idea on what to expect and be ready for the. Each woman has different signs before labor. There are a lot more not mentioned on this list. Just cross your fingers that you get ones that you want.
