The most beautiful and highly anticipated day of your life is slowly approaching. It is very normal to feel a little scared, curious, and also very happy at this time. Like everyone else, the biggest question on your mind is, "Is this pain really the pain of having a baby ? Or is it just a fake pain?" So today, let's talk about this, that is, the symptoms of childbirth, clearly and in a way that you can understand.
What are the signs of labor?
Childbirth is not something that starts suddenly. Your body prepares for it gradually. You may experience various symptoms during this preparation. Some people feel these symptoms very clearly, while others may not feel them as much.
The baby coming down (Lightening)
This is a wonderful thing. A few weeks or even hours before labor, your baby turns head down and settles into your pelvis. It's like packing your suitcase and walking down the stairs. This is what we call "lightening."
There are several things you will feel when this happens:
- The pressure on the bladder from the uterus increases, causing the need to urinate frequently.
- At the same time, the baby is lower, so the tightness in the chest is reduced, making it easier to breathe. If there was any inflammation in the chest, it may also decrease a little.
Mucus plug removal
Throughout your pregnancy, there is a thick mucus plug that protects your cervix and prevents infection from entering. We call this the ``Mucus Plug''. As labor approaches, as your cervix begins to open, this mucus plug comes out of your vagina.
This may be clear, pink, or slightly bloody . Some people call this a "show." The baby will not be born immediately after this comes out. It may take a day or two, or even a week or two. So don't worry.
Stomach ache and back pain
While back pain is common during pregnancy, back pain that comes with labor is a little different. It's a pain that starts in the lower back and radiates down the abdomen. It can feel like a period cramp. This pain can be constant and unrelenting, or it can come and go.
Diarrhea
This may seem like a strange symptom, but some people may experience a feeling of fullness, or diarrhea, 24-48 hours before giving birth.
A little weight loss
Even though you gain weight throughout your pregnancy , you may lose about a kilo a few days before your baby is born. This is because your body is getting rid of extra fluids.
"Nesting Instinct"
Some mothers suddenly feel a surge of energy and enthusiasm as they approach the time of delivery. After weeks of hard work, they suddenly feel the urge to do housework, clean up, dress the baby, and cook . This is called the ``Nesting Instinct''. But don't overdo it at this time, because you need a lot of energy to give birth.
Breaking the water bag (Water Breaking)
Throughout pregnancy, the baby is protected inside a sac filled with amniotic fluid. When this sac bursts during labor, we call it "breaking the bag of waters."
- This can look like a sudden rush of water , or it can look like a gradual leak .
- This liquid is usually odorless and colorless or straw-colored.
- If you think your water broke, remember or write down the time, the amount that came out, and what it looked like, and call your doctor right away. He or she will tell you what to do next.
Not everyone breaks their water bag at home. Sometimes, it's the doctor who breaks it after you go to the hospital. So don't worry about it.
The difference between true labor and false labor
It's normal to wonder, "Is this really labor pain?" Because you can experience "false labor pains" towards the end of pregnancy. We call these "Braxton Hicks Contractions." These are like your body rehearsing for real labor.
It is very important to know exactly the difference between these two.
| Characteristic | True Labor | False labor pains (Braxton Hicks) |
|---|---|---|
| The pattern of pain | The time interval between contractions gradually decreases (e.g. 20, 15, 10, 5 minutes). | It doesn't come in the same way. It's irregular. It disappears after a while. |
| The pain is intense. | The pain is getting worse as time goes by. | It doesn't get any worse. It stays the same or gets worse. |
| Duration of pain | The duration of the pain increases over time (e.g. 30, 45, 60 seconds). | It won't change. |
| Where the pain is felt | It usually starts from the back and moves towards the stomach. | It feels like only the front of the stomach is tightening. |
| When changing positions | Even when I change positions or walk, the pain doesn't stop. It sometimes gets worse. | It often stops when changing positions, walking, or drinking water. |
How do you accurately measure the onset of pain?
If you feel like you are in real labor , start timing the pain. Ask your husband or someone else to help you with this.
1. Write down the time the pain started .
2. Write down the time when the pain ends . (This will help you know how long the pain has been going on).
3. Write down the time when the next pain starts . (The time between the first pain and the next pain is important).
Typically, active labor is when you have sharp contractions every 3-4 minutes, lasting 45-60 seconds . This is when you need to go to the hospital.
When should you go to the hospital?
This is the most important thing. Call your doctor or go to the hospital immediately if any of the following occur:
- If you think your water bag is broken .
- If there is bleeding (more than just spotting).
- If you feel that your baby's movements are less than normal .
- If the pain is very severe and comes every 5 minutes for an hour .
- If you are not yet 37 weeks pregnant , but are experiencing any of these signs of labor, you should seek medical advice immediately as this could be a sign of preterm labor .
During the latent phase of labor, it is easiest to stay at home. During this time, take a short walk, watch a movie, distract yourself. Take a hot bath. Ask your husband to massage your back. These things will provide some relief from the pain.
Take-Home Message
- Your body gives you various signs before labor, and it's important to be aware of them.
- Understand the difference between true labor and false labor (Braxton Hicks).
- Don't panic when the pain starts, but note the timing and pattern. This will be very important to the doctor.
- If your water breaks, you bleed, your baby's movements slow down, or you experience pain before the due date, see a doctor immediately or go to the hospital's Emergency Department (ETU).
- This is not a journey you will take alone. Your husband, family, and medical staff are with you. So stay strong!
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