Signs Of Labor

Signs of labor are often identified by pain and uterine contractions. Childbirth is the process of leaving the baby, which begins with regular contractions that cause changes in the cervix. Contractions are when the muscles of the uterus tighten and then relax. Contractions help push the baby out of the womb.

The delivery time varies from woman to woman, and the exact onset of signs of labor cannot be determined. Delivery is a process that begins when the pain starts and continues until the baby is handed over to the mother.

Childbirth has various symptoms, the most common and main of which is pain. Of course, you need to know that not all uterine contractions are signs of labor, and you need to know the different types to go to the hospital at the right time. Knowing the symptoms and signs of labor can identify if they have preterm labor and prepare for the labor process.

9 Signs of Labor

The day and time of delivery cannot be predicted, but the signs of approaching delivery can be observed. This is something that can be seen 24 to 48 hours before delivery. Here are nine signs of labor.

Real contractions

Uterine contractions are the first and most obvious signs of labor. These contractions are like intensifying menstrual cramps. Some contractions are painless during pregnancy, especially at the end of pregnancy. These contractions are called Braxton Hicks and are not signs of labor.
When these contractions are regular and intense and last more than 30 seconds, they can indicate the beginning of the first labor phase. As labor progresses, the number of contractions becomes longer and stronger. As long as each contraction lasts 30 to 90 seconds and the interval between each contraction reaches five minutes is the beginning of the first phase of labor; at this time, it is best to go to the hospital.

Water breaking

A clear sign of labor is water rupture or, more specifically, a ruptured amniotic sac. This fluid-filled sac protects the baby as it grows and develops but is torn naturally or artificially by the doctor in preparation for delivery.
When the amniotic sac breaks naturally, it is probably due to the high pressure on the baby’s head on the amniotic sac. Some women experience a lot of water, but breaking water is not as dramatic as a TV show. Some women notice a drop of water or a feeling of dampness just under their clothes.

Losing mucus plug

A mucosal plug is a thick set of mucus that seals the cervix. During pregnancy, the cervix becomes blocked and closed due to mucus. This is a natural way to protect the fetus from infection. As labor approaches, the cervix gradually opens, and the mucus in the cervix empties.
The color of the mucosa varies from clear to pink. As the cervix dilates, blood vessels may rupture and drain from the uterus along with the mucosa. Seeing such signs indicates that the delivery time is near in the coming hours or days.

Extreme nesting

Pregnancy indeed causes a lot of fatigue, but in the weeks before childbirth, women have a lot of energy and a great desire to do different activities. Women in this situation feel the urgency of arranging various tasks, including child-related tasks and childbirth.

Weight loss

Mothers usually do not expect to lose weight until after delivery. But it is common for 1 to 2 pounds to lose weight 1 to 2 days before delivery. This weight loss is not about losing fat. This is due to less amniotic fluid in late pregnancy, and the mother’s urine increases when the baby falls in preparation for delivery. The baby moves to a lower position, puts more pressure on the bladder, and as a result, the mother goes to the bathroom more often.

Low back pain

Back pain during pregnancy is common due to the loosening of joints and ligaments during childbirth preparation. When 24 to 48 hours away from giving birth, the pain may worsen in the lower back and spread to the pelvis. Changing the position does not relieve the pain, and unfortunately, the pain often persists until after delivery.

Loosening of joints

The end of pregnancy signals the body to release more of the hormone Relaxin, which relaxes the joints and ligaments for pregnancy and prepares for childbirth. A few days before delivery, you may see looser joints in your pelvis, and your lower back may also experience an unexpected side effect of Relaxin, diarrhea. This is due to the relaxation of the muscles around the rectum.

Cervical dilation

At the end of the pregnancy, the obstetrician does weekly check-ups, examining the cervix to see how dilated it is. However, the cervix should be 10 cm wide for vaginal delivery. Still, a cervical dilation of at least 2 to 3 cm often indicates 24 to 48 hours away from delivery.

Baby drops

Another sign of labor in women is that they notice a fetus’s lightening in the uterus or a drop in the fetus in the pelvis. If you are becoming a mother for the first time, the baby will typically start to drop, or descend into your pelvis a few weeks before the birth, usually about two to four weeks before.

Stages of labor

Childbirth is the process of removing a baby from the womb, which is divided into three stages:

Labor
Pushing and Birth
Delivery of the placenta

Every woman may give birth differently, and the signs of labor may differ. But there are patterns for childbirth that are the same for most women. Learning about the stages and symptoms of labor and what happens during each stage can help you feel more comfortable with the onset of labor and know what to do.

What happens in the first stage of labor?

The first stage of labor is the longest. For mothers giving birth for the first time, it may take 12 to 19 hours, and for mothers who have already given birth, this time may be shorter. During this time, the contractions become strong and regular enough to cause the cervix to dilate and thinner, moving the baby down the pelvis and birth canal. The first stage is divided into early labor, active labor, and transition to stage 2.

Early labor

For most mothers, early labor takes about 6 to 12 hours, which can be spent at home or anywhere they are comfortable. At this stage, slight contractions occur every 5 to 15 minutes and last 60 to 90 seconds. Vaginal discharge is pink, red, or bloody. See the doctor right away if you have heavy bleeding, like a period. At this time, the following activities can be helpful:

Rest and relax
Take a shower or bath
Go for a walk
Change positions often
Make sure to be ready to go to the hospital
Take slow, relaxing breaths during contractions

Active labor

It would be best if you went to the hospital at this time. An active delivery usually takes about 4 to 8 hours. It starts when the contractions are regular and the cervix dilates up to 6 cm. The contractions become stronger, longer, and more painful. Each lasts 45 seconds and can be as far apart as 3 minutes. There is a pain in the back and cramps in the legs. If the water bag has not been broken, it will tear at this stage. At this time, the following activities can be helpful:

Try to stay relaxed
Move around or change positions
Walk the hallways in the hospital
Drink water or liquids but do not eat solid foods
Go to the bathroom often to empty your bladder

Transition to the second stage of labor

This is the most difficult and painful part of the delivery, taking 15 minutes to an hour. The contractions get closer together and can last 60 to 90 seconds. There may be a lot of pressure on the lower back and rectum. If you feel like you want to push, tell the provider.

What happens in the second stage of labor?

In the second stage of labor, the cervix is completely dilated and ready for labor. At this stage, the mother should do her best because she is asked to put pressure. This step may take up to 20 minutes or a few hours and may take longer for mothers who have their first delivery and have used an epidural (an epidural reduces labor pain and numbs the lower back). The second stage ends with the birth of the child.

At this stage, the contractions may slow down for 2 to 5 minutes and last about 60 to 90 seconds. An episiotomy may be performed (a small incision is made in the opening of the vagina to help the baby come out), and most women do not need an episiotomy. The obstetrician will guide the baby through the birth canal and may use special tools. Use pliers or suction to help the baby and finally cut the umbilical cord.

Arjang Naim, MD, and his team are with the pregnant mother with the utmost care and cooperation in all delivery stages. They have tried to provide a calm environment for childbirth and a pleasurable experience for the mother.

What happens in the third stage of labor?

The third stage of labor describes the time from the baby’s birth until the placenta is delivered. This is the shortest step and usually does not take more than 20 minutes. There are close contractions that are not very painful. These contractions help the placenta separates from the uterus and transfers to the birth canal. They usually start 5 to 30 minutes after birth.

The provider presses on the abdomen to ensure the uterus is feeling well. At this stage, the mother enjoys the first few moments with her baby and starts breastfeeding. Most women can start breastfeeding within 1 hour of their baby’s birth.

Time to see a doctor

Knowing the Signs of labor helps the mother feel more relaxed. The doctor usually talks about Signs of labor during the examinations in the last weeks of pregnancy and determines the time to go to the hospital or make the necessary call. A pregnant mother should call the doctor once the contractions are regular and have severe contractions every five minutes that last 30 to 90 seconds.

If you run out of some fluid, which can be even a few drops, it is best to call the doctor and go to the hospital, as there is a possibility that the water bag may rupture. The doctor will examine, and if the contractions have not started yet and there is no threat to the mother or fetus’s health, Obstetricians may ask the mother to go home and wait for the contractions to begin.

Depending on the volume of amniotic fluid and the fetus’s condition, the pregnant mother may be cared for in a hospital. Also, if there is a large amount of blood in the vaginal discharge, it may be a sign of a problem. The discharge that is a sign of labor is pink, and there is a small amount of blood in it, which is normal, but clear bleeding, to a greater or lesser extent, is a sign of a problem that must go to the hospital immediately.