Early Signs of Labor

Expecting a baby is exhilarating for most couples. However, what is disconcerting for most pregnant women is the anxiety if they will be able to recognize the right signals of labor. This is a concern for both, the first time would-be-mothers as well as for those who have already had a baby before. This is due to the fact that there is no set pattern of the signs of labor during pregnancy. Here are some commonly occurring early signs of labor that may help a pregnant woman know what to expect as her body prepares for labor and childbirth.

Early Signs of Labor

Engagement: As the time of delivery approaches, the baby's head starts sliding down into the pelvis. This happens as the uterus becomes softer. This allows the would-be-mother to breathe easily than before. This event is known as 'dropping' or 'engagement'. Engagement may take place days or even weeks before delivery. However, once it has occurred, a woman can expect to have a delivery soon.

Pelvic Pressure: Once the baby has 'dropped', a pregnant woman will start feeling a pressure on the pelvic floor. This often causes discomfort to the expecting mothers as they may feel difficulty in moving around. Some experience swelling of the legs, aching pubic bones, sharp twinges, and backaches.

Vaginal Discharge: Vaginal discharge in early labor is whitish and thick. However, if the discharge changes to a thin and watery nature, visit the doctor immediately. A thin vaginal discharge early in labor indicates a leak in the bags of water surrounding the baby through which bacteria may enter and cause infection to the baby and the womb.

Nesting Instinct: This refers to the burst of energy that a woman has as she approaches labor. A pregnant woman feels natural maternal instincts during which she may show special interest in setting up the room of the baby and arranging for its clothes. Women go to a great extent to ensure that everything is ready and in place for the baby. This is a natural process. However, women should take care not to over work themselves. They should preserve the strength that they would need if they went into real labor any time soon.

Braxton Hick's Contractions: Although most women experience Braxton Hick's contractions throughout pregnancy, these become more frequent as labor approaches. Although not real labor contractions, these contractions help in preparing for the delivery by thinning out the cervix. However, any contractions that occur towards end of pregnancy should be taken seriously as these could be true labor contractions. In order to be able to recognize if the contractions are Braxton Hick's contractions or labor contractions empty your bladder. Drink a glass or water and lie down. If the contractions subside in 10 minutes, then it means that you were having Braxton Hick's contractions.

Gastrointestinal Problems: Many women experience upset stomach, vomiting and diarrhea during early labor. This happens as the body cleans the system before it has to push the baby out of the mother's womb.

Changes in the Cervix: This is something that only a doctor will be able to discern. The cervix starts softening, thinning, and dilating in preparation of childbirth. However, dilation is no guarantee of an impending childbirth, as some women start dilating several weeks before labor begins, while others don't dilate till the onset of actual labor.

Signs of Real Labor

It is important to know the signs of labor, whether early or late, to be able to distinguish between false alarms and the real time for childbirth. Some of the signs that indicate that a woman may soon go into labor are:

Bloody Show: There is a muscle plug that seals the cervix throughout pregnancy. When the time of childbirth comes close this plug is shed. As the cervix dilates, blood vessels rupture giving the muscle plug a reddish or brownish tinge. Hence the name 'bloody show'. Although the bloody show is a sign that childbirth may take place in the next few days or hours, one may experience this earlier due to intercourse or examination by the doctor.

Rupture of the Membrane: As the baby gets ready to push out of the womb, the amniotic sac bursts. This is referred to as 'water breaking'. A woman experiences a colorless and odorless discharge of the amniotic fluid. In case the color has a tinge of red or pink, call the doctor immediately.

Labor Contractions: Contractions are the surest signs that labor has begun. Unlike the Braxton Hick's contractions, these contractions are more frequent, regular and intense. One can and should time the durations of contractions as this will help the doctor decide the stage of labor. During the real contractions, one feels a radiating pain that may include backache that persists even after changing position or drinking water.

If any of the early signs of labor occur before 36 weeks, specially with vaginal spotting, it is best to call in the doctor. Also it is quite common to expect 'false alarms' as the body prepares for the real thing. Don't hesitate to visit the hospital and don't be embarrassed if it is a false alarm. Just take it as practice for the big day!