What are the signs that indicate that the baby is about to be born? (Signs of Labor)

The most beautiful day of your life is coming soon. You've probably been waiting with anticipation to hold the little one you've been carrying for months. With every little change you feel in these last few weeks, you've probably been wondering, "Is this the baby coming?" That's very normal. Some mothers have very clear signs that they're about to have a baby, but others don't feel such big signs. So today, let's talk about the signs your body is giving you that "the baby is ready to come."

Changes in the body before labor pains

Before you have a baby, your body goes through a series of small changes as it prepares for it. These are the signs.

Lightening

This is when the baby drops a little into your pelvis. Some people call this a "dropped baby." This can happen a few weeks before you're due, or it can happen a few hours before. When the baby drops this low, the uterus puts pressure on your bladder, making you need to urinate more often. But there's also a good thing. The space in your upper abdomen makes it easier to breathe and can reduce heartburn.

Passing of the mucus plug

Throughout pregnancy , there is a mucus plug that protects the cervix. We call this the mucus plug. When the cervix begins to dilate to allow the baby to come in, this mucus plug comes out of the vagina. It may be clear, pink, or mixed with a little blood. This is also called a "show" or a "bloody show." After this comes out, the baby can come out soon. But sometimes it can take a week or two.

Decreased baby movements

As you get closer to delivery, your baby's movements may decrease. However, this can sometimes be a sign of a problem, so be sure to let your doctor know if you notice any decrease in your baby's movements.

A little weight loss

It's normal to gain weight during pregnancy. But surprisingly, some mothers may lose a pound or two a few days before giving birth. This is due to hormonal changes in the body.

Nesting instinct

After weeks of hard work, you may suddenly feel a surge of energy as your baby approaches. You may feel a surge of energy to clean the house, prepare baby supplies, and cook meals. This is called the ``Nesting instinct.'' But remember, don't overexert yourself. You'll need a lot of energy to have a baby.

The difference between true labor and false labor

Towards the end of your pregnancy, you may experience cramping in your abdomen. These are called Braxton Hicks contractions. These are not real contractions, but rather your body's way of preparing for real contractions. So how do you tell the difference between the two?

This difference can be understood more clearly from the table below.

How to Time Contractions

If you think you're having a real miscarriage, start recording the times when the pain comes. Write down the time the pain starts and the time it ends. It's important to note how long the pain lasts (duration) and how long it takes between two contractions (interval). At first, the pain may come every 15-20 minutes and last 60-90 seconds. Gradually, this will come to an interval of less than 5 minutes. If the pain is severe and lasts for 45-60 seconds and comes every 3-4 minutes, that's when you need to go to the hospital.

Other clear signs that you are close to having a baby

Water Breaking

During pregnancy, there is a sac of fluid that surrounds your baby. This is called the amniotic membrane. As your baby gets closer to delivery, this sac may break and the fluid may come out through your vagina. This may come out all at once as a large amount of water, or it may feel like it is leaking slowly. This fluid is usually odorless and is colorless or straw-colored. If your water breaks, write down the time, the amount that came out, and the color of the fluid and call your doctor right away. He or she will tell you what to do next. Not everyone's water breaks at home. Sometimes, the doctor breaks it after you go to the hospital.

Effacement and dilation of the cervix

These are things that you can't find out at home, and are tested and told by the doctor .

• Effacement: When true labor begins, the cervix begins to thin out to allow the baby's head to emerge. This is measured from 0% to 100%. 100% means the cervix is ​​completely dilated.
• Dilation: The cervix also begins to dilate. This is measured in centimeters. 10 centimeters means it is fully dilated.

Emotional Signs

As well as physical symptoms, you may also experience mental changes as you get closer to having your baby.

• Mood swings without reason
• Anxiety
• Irritability
• Impatience

When should you go to the hospital?

This is a problem that many mothers have. If you think you are in true labor, talk to your doctor. Also, in the following cases, you should definitely talk to your doctor or go to the hospital's Emergency Department (ETU).

• If you think your water bag has broken .
• A littleIf there is excessive bleeding (more than spotting).
• If you feel that your baby's movements are less than normal .
• If the pain is unbearable and comes every 5 minutes for an hour .
• If you experience these symptoms before 37 weeks , it could be a sign of preterm labor, so you should seek medical advice immediately.