Question

signs of impending labour

Answer 1

The signs of impending labour gives the signals that labor is close. This can be experienced by the pregnant women few days prior to the labour and delivery.

• Lightening or the baby drop; The babys head will descend down to the pelvis, occurs moistly in two to four weeks prior to the labour. Some people may not be experiencing until the labour process starts, especially multipara women.
• Increased urination; As the bany drops into the pelvis, it will compress the bladder and cause increased frequency and urgency in urination.
• Ease in breathing; The breathing become easier as the pressure on the diaphragm reduced due to the position change of baby toward down during lightning.
• Back pain; Dull, cramping pain felt on lower back and groin which comes and goes by rest is common near to the delivery.
• Loose joints; The joints all over the body become relaxed, muscles and joints start stretching and loose due to hormonal action(relaxin), especially in the pelvic area which helps for the labour process.
• Contractions ;  Braxton Hicks contractions or practice contractions can be experienced more frequently around four weeks or in third trimester which are false contractions. The uterus becom tih=ght and the pain will be similar to menstrual cramps like pounding, tightening, stabbing.
• Diarrhea ; Due to relaxation of rectal muscles, women can experience diarrhea weeks prior to labour.
• Insomnia ; Some women experience lack of sleep or disturbed sleep during third trimester due to increased urine frequency, increased belly size and discomfort and hormone changes.
• Fatigue or a burst of energy; Due to the lack of adequate sleep, frequent bathroom visits makes tiredness and some feel nesting or urge to clean and organize and a sense of urgency to get things done.
• Dilation and effacement of cervix ; Cervix may start to dilate and become more thinner few days or weeks prior to the labour.

• Vaginal discharge changes color and consistency ; Vaginal discharge become more thick.

• Lose of mucus plug ; A large mucus plug can come out which lode the uterus from outer world associated with pinkish vaginal discharge.

• Water break ; It is the sign of starting labour process. The amniotic membrane rupture cause slower dripping of fluid which is colorless and odorless.