Early Signs of Labor

This is the most dreadful period of a woman’s pregnancy. Labor sometimes can be very painful, yet rewarding time. For some women, labor may only last a few hours, while for others it could last longer than that. The following are early signs and symptoms that might show you are in labor. Prepare yourself, you are having a baby!

Most women begin to experience signs and symptoms of labor days or weeks before the baby is actually ready to be born. These signs will tell you that labor is approaching, helping you to prepare your body for delivery. Most cases in first-time mothers, these early signs of labor may occur weeks before delivery, while subsequent pregnancies might occur closer to delivery. See below for early some signs of labor approaching.

Engagement – When a labor is drawing near, your baby’s head will begin to descend lower into your pelvis. This happens as a result of the softening of your uterus. Also known as dropping, engagement allows you to breathe more easily. Any heartburn symptoms you have had, also begin to cease. The dropping of your baby can happen anywhere from two to four weeks before you baby is actually born. If you are experiencing this early symptom of labor, you can be assured that the process of having a baby is beginning. Your pregnancy will soon be coming to an end!

Pelvic Pressure – After your baby drops, and your baby’s head is settled into your pelvis, you may begin to experience some minor pain or discomfort called pelvic pressure. You may begin to pass water and bowel movements even more frequently, because your baby is placing additional pressure on your bladder and bowel. Also, relaxation of your joints and ligaments may cause your pubic bones and back to ache. This also causes sharp twinges as your baby presses down on your pelvic floor. In addition your legs and feet might swell, as the compression of blood vessels happens. Lying on your left side, might help with alleviate one of these early signs of labor.

Vaginal Discharge – You will notice an increase in vaginal secretions. As the softening of your cervix occurs, white, and sometimes pink discharge may be seen. This is one of the more uncomfortable early signs of labor. Note that a yellow or frothy discharge might indicate that an infection is present. If the softening of the cervix occurs, and you notice this discoloration, you better notify your doctor.

Nesting Instinct – Aside from physical early signs of labor, you may experience a nesting instinct. This is an emotional early signs of labor, and nesting is characterized by emptying drawers, clearing out closets, scrubbing floors, and other cleaning chores. This feeling is a maternal instinct that having a baby is drawing near. Although you feel this urge to prepare for the arrival of your baby, you need to conserve your energy, as the early signs of labor will result in other signs of labor.

Braxton Hicks Contractions – are considered true contractions, however they are not the real ones, and they are designed to prepare your body for having a baby. Braxton Hicks contractions stretch the lower part of your uterus, which enables your baby’s head to settle into your pelvis. It also helps the softening of the cervix. You might notice as true early labor draws near, these Braxton Hicks contractions intensify, and cause your abdomen to tighten. Lying down usually helps with the discomfort of these early signs of labor.

Shivering or Trembling – This early sign of labor might happen without any sensation of cold or weakness, and can be the result of stress hormones or an alteration in the level of progesterone in your body.

Diarrhea – A release of the body chemical prostaglandins might occur in the process of early labor. This can result in episodes of loose bowel movements.

Early Signs of Labor Being Imminent
The exact cause of the onset of labor is still unknown. As of now, the most current theory is that the baby helps produce substances that result in a change of pregnancy hormones. There are typically three major signs and symptoms that you are going into labor, and will be having a baby.

Mucus Plug or Bloody Show – You will begin experiencing the softening of the cervix. As this occurs, the cervix begins to dilate, and the mucus plug which has sealed the cervix throughout your pregnancy begins to dislodge. A bright red to brownish liquid may appear, and this is called bloody show. Although a show may infer that labor is imminent, it can also occur weeks before the labor actually begins. Therefore, this cannot be the only sign and symptom that labor is to come.

Rupture of Membranes – Also commonly called as “water breaking”, the rupture of membranes occurs when the amniotic sac breaks. This is one of the most common early signs of labor. If your water breaks, you can almost assume you will go into labor within 24 hours of that happening. Once your water breaks, contractions usually begin to intensify, and your baby is getting close to your dilating cervix. If your water breaks while you are at home, keep track of when that occurs, as well as the consistency and amount of amniotic fluid that has been discharged. Amniotic fluid is usually clear and odorless, and will usually continue to leak until you deliver. Doctors encourage women to keep their vagina free from any foreign substances, so it won’t be infected.

Regular Contractions – One way to tell if your labor is strengthening is the consistency of your contractions. The softening of the cervix will steadily dilate and it will continue to until you are fully effaced, and this means your baby will be coming. Your contractions will become more rhythmic and will begin to lengthen in time and in intensity. Your contractions begin a process which pushes your baby slowly through lower uterus, and consequently delivery is coming close. These contractions, along with the other things listed, are clear early signs of labor and symptoms that your labor is imminent, and you soon will be having a baby!Courtesy of Pregnancyetc.com

Courtesy article provided by Pregnancy ETC( www.pregnancyetc.com)