Signs That Your Labour Is Near

As the delivery date approaches, it is only normal to feel impatient and restless, and to look out for the smallest signs of labor. For some moms, it could start with strong and frequent contractions, while for others it may start with the water breaking. However, there are certain signs that you should not ignore.

Cramps

You may experience cramps similar to the ones you get during menstruation. The cramps are spread across your abdomen, legs and back. These cramps usually indicate that your contractions are beginning or are about to begin. The cramps are usually not very painful and can come hours apart or even days apart. These mild cramps should not be ignored. However, your doctor or midwife would generally ask you to stay at home and not get admitted to the hospital. When the cramps get stronger and more frequent, you should go to the hospital.

Pressure in the Pelvic Area

You may start experiencing pressure in the pelvic area. You may experience heaviness in your vagina, pubis, or pelvis. Usually, this happens when the baby’s head is descending on your pelvis to make its way out. This process when the baby drops down from the abdomen is also known as lightening. However, many women do not experience this at all.

Loss of the Mucus Plug

You may notice a change in your vaginal discharge. You may discharge a pinkish jelly-like discharge. During pregnancy, there is a plug of mucus in your cervix. As the labor approaches, this plug starts passing out of your vagina. It can come as one single blob or in several pieces. As the plus contains a small amount of blood, it is pink in color. Mucus accumulates to form a cover over the opening of the cervix. It is like a plug that protects the baby from bacteria outside the uterus. When the vagina prepares for delivery, the mucus plus comes out. However, if you lose excessive blood then call your doctor immediately.

Apart from the mucus plug, your vaginal discharge may become watery, stickier, and thicker. Whenever you experience increased vaginal discharge, it could be a sign that labor is approaching.

Water Breaking

Water breaking does not happen in one gush. You may experience it just as a trickle. Water breaking is the process when the membrane of amniotic fluid ruptures and the baby is released from the sac. Amniotic fluid is clear, pale, and transparent. It usually looks like urine and you may not even be able to differentiate it. You can also find your amniotic slightly reddish if it contains blood.

Braxton Hicks Contractions

The most obvious sign of labor is the Braxton Hicks contraction. You may start feeling tightening in your abdomen that will come and go. You may feel that they are like menstrual cramps. These contractions are uncomfortable, but they don’t open your cervix. They are more like false labor pain that prepares the body for real labor. They are usually not very painful. They do not follow a regular pattern and do not last long. Unlike real labor pain, they disappear with movement.

If you experience any of the above symptoms, you should call and inform your doctor or midwife as these are signs that your labor is near.