As the most beautiful day of your life approaches, it's normal to feel a little scared, curious, and excited all at the same time. "Am I about to have a baby? Is this pain real or fake?" These questions have probably crossed your mind a thousand times. So today, let's talk, very simply and kindly, about the signs your body gives you that your little one is about to come into this world, the signs of labor .
Simply put, labor is the natural process your body goes through to bring your baby into the world. It starts with continuous uterine contractions. This process continues until both the baby and the placenta are delivered. Not everyone experiences these symptoms in the same way. Some people have very clear symptoms, while others may not.
Physical signs of approaching labor
As you get closer to having a baby, your body starts to change a lot. Let's take a look at what they are.
1. Lightening
This is what we call "baby dropping." Shortly before your baby is born, your baby will drop into your pelvis. This can happen a few weeks before your baby is born, or it can happen hours before. When your baby drops, your uterus puts pressure on your bladder, so you'll need to urinate more often. But there's a good thing! The extra space in your upper abdomen can make it easier to breathe , and your chest may feel less sore .
2. Mucus plug discharge
Throughout pregnancy, a mucus plug forms near the cervix, which protects the baby from infection. As the cervix begins to open for the baby to come in, this mucus plug may come out of the vagina. It may be clear, pink, or slightly blood- tinged . This is also called a "show" or "bloody show." After this comes out, labor may begin immediately, or it may take a week or two.
3. True Labor Contractions
This is the tightening and relaxing of the muscles of the uterus. When the pain comes, the stomach feels hard like a rock, and when the pain goes away, it becomes soft again. The way this pain feels varies from person to person. For some people, it feels like menstrual cramps . This pain comes from the top of the abdomen down like a wave.
The most important thing is, this real pain doesn't stop even when you change positions or relax.
4. Diarrhea
This may seem a bit strange, but some people can experience bloating 24-48 hours before they are due to give birth. This is another way the body prepares for labor.
5. Back Pain
While back pain is common during pregnancy, the pain that comes with labor is a little different. It's a constant, aching pain that starts in the lower back and feels like it's radiating to the abdomen .
6. "Nesting Instinct" - Preoccupation with household chores
After weeks of hard work, you may suddenly feel a surge of energy and want to clean the house, cook, and prepare things for the baby. This is called the "nesting instinct." But remember, don't overwork yourself . You need a lot of energy to have a baby .
7. Baby's movements
As you get closer to delivery, your baby's movements may decrease. However, this is very important. If your baby's movements (movements) decrease significantly, it can sometimes be a sign of a problem. So if you notice a change in your baby's movements , call your doctor or the hospital immediately.
8. Water Bag Burst (Water Breaking)
This is the fluid-filled sac that surrounds your baby (amniotic sac). When this breaks, a lot of water can come out all at once, or it can leak out gradually. This fluid is usually odorless and is watery or straw-colored. If you think your "water broke," write down the details, such as when it broke, how much it broke, and what color it was, and tell your doctor. Not everyone's water breaks at home; sometimes doctors do it in the hospital.
The difference between real pain and false pain
You may have "false" contractions before the "real" ones. These are called Braxton Hicks contractions. They're your body's way of getting used to the real thing. So how do you tell the difference between the two?
| Characteristic | True Labor | False labor pains (Braxton Hicks) |
|---|---|---|
| The order of pain | It comes in a specific pattern, in an orderly manner. The gap between the coming periods gradually decreases. | There is no order. Irregular. |
| Changing positions | The pain won't stop. It might even get worse. | The pain goes away when you change positions, walk, or rest. |
| The pain is intense. | The pain gradually increases over time. | It usually doesn't get too spicy. It's weak. |
| Where the pain is felt | It usually starts from the lower back and moves towards the stomach. | It is often felt only in the front part of the stomach. |
How do you measure the time of pain?
If you feel like this is real pain, start timing it. Write down the time when the pain starts and the time it ends. Measure the time between contractions. You can even use an app on your phone to do this.
At first, the pain may come every 15-20 minutes and last for 60-90 seconds. Gradually, this will decrease to once every 5 minutes. If the pain is severe, lasting for about 45-60 seconds and coming every 3-4 minutes, that's when you need to go to the hospital.
When should I go to the hospital?
In the event of any of the following , call your doctor immediately or go to the hospital.
- If you think your water bag has burst.
- It's not like normal spotting, but it's more bloody .
- 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 are not 37 weeks pregnant and have any of the symptoms mentioned above, this could mean that your baby is going to be born prematurely, which requires immediate medical attention.
Your doctor will give you clear instructions about when you should come to the hospital, so it's very important to discuss this with your doctor during the final stages of your pregnancy.
Take-Home Message
- Understand the difference between true labor and false labor (Braxton Hicks).
- Pay attention to the signals your body is giving you. If you have even the slightest doubt about something, never be afraid to talk to your doctor.
- When the pain starts, note the time and frequency of it. This will be very useful when you go to the hospital.
- If you are bleeding, your water has broken, or your baby's movements have decreased, go to the hospital immediately.
- This journey is not one you go through alone. Your family, partner, and doctors are with you. Face this beautiful experience with ease and strength.
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