This an event every pregnant woman looks forward to with anticipation.
She is curious – and a bit nervous – about the signs of labor. She wonders how it will feel, when it will happen, how long it will take to happen, and moreover, how will she know that it’s time. It’s difficult to foresee the first three, as every woman and every labor is different; however, the fourth one – how to tell when it’s time – I can help with.
A woman’s body is quite amazing. Not only does it have the ability to create a human life from a few cells, but it also tells her when that human life she has created is ready to enter the world. Many first time moms think that the signs of labor are like those they see in the movies: the water breaks, she’s rushed to the hospital, and the baby is born. However, typically, that’s not how it happens. While yes, water breaking is one of the signs the baby is ready to come, it’s not the only one. In fact, not every woman’s water breaks, and there are several other signs that indicate labor is about to commence.
Here’s a look at 15 ways the body feels the baby is ready to make her grand entrance into the world.
. There’s No More Hunger
. More Waddling Than Ever Before- A waddle is one of the hallmarks of a pregnant woman. Relaxin, the pregnancy hormone that relaxes the muscles and ligaments throughout pregnancy in preparation for delivery, coupled with the increased pressure the baby places on the pelvic region, can cause the famous “pregnant lady waddle.” Toward the latter part of the third trimester, that waddle can become even more pronounced, especially in the weeks or days leading up to labor and delivery. Why? – Because the body is producing even more relaxin and the baby is making its way down the birth canal, which puts greater strain on the pelvic area.
If you notice that you are waddling more than you ever were before, or if you never waddled and suddenly start to and your due date is just around the corner, you’ll probably be greeting your little one soon.
. The Bowels Start Pushing
. Breathing With Ease -Many women feel like they are short of breath during their third trimester of pregnancy. That’s because as the baby grows, she takes up more space in the womb and literally moves the organs that lie in the upper portion of the abdomen, and they push up against the lungs. As a result, it’s more difficult to take in deeper breathes, which lead to shortness of breath. However, as the baby starts to descend, she and the organs that she moved, stop pushing against the lungs, which makes it easier to breathe. This is referred to as “lightening”. If you have been having a hard time catching your breath, or you have been getting winded after taking just a few steps, and you suddenly notice that you can breathe with much greater ease, labor isn’t too far away.
. The Plug Comes Loose -Throughout the duration of pregnancy, the cervix is sealed off with a plug of mucus. This helps to protect the baby from being exposed to infections while he’s in the womb. However, as you near your due date, the cervix starts to dilate and soften in preparation for delivery.
. A Case Of The Sniffles -During labor, a woman’s body tends to focus all of its energy on the task at hand: preparing for childbirth. Since so much energy is being used to get the body ready for delivery, your immune system may actually be compromised. Though this weakening isn’t likely to be severe, it may cause noticeable changes in your overall health and well-being.
. The Belly Feels Tied In Knots, it’s not unusual to experience cramping during the latter stages of pregnancy. This cramping, known as Braxton Hicks contractions, are kind of like practice for real labor contractions. The cramping associated with Braxton Hicks is usually irregular, typically don’t get very strong, and they usually go away. However, if you notice cramping that becomes constant, increases in intensity, is occurring at regular intervals and those intervals become shorter, than you’re experiencing the real-deal labor contractions.
When this starts to happen, don’t head to the hospital right away. Instead, grab a watch and time your contractions. Typically, you won’t be admitted into labor and delivery until contractions are about 2 minutes apart, However, that’s not to say that you shouldn’t phone your doctor and make sure you are ready to go.
. The Lower Back Starts Knocking - Another sign that may indicate the baby is ready to make her debut is the development of pain in the backside; like, the really low part of the backside. Throughout the duration of pregnancy, many women experience back pain, especially during the latter stages. That pain is largely due to the pregnancy hormone relaxin, which helps the muscles and ligament relax in order to prepare for childbirth. It's also a result of all that extra weight.
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. There is a Gymnast in the belly -If there are any noticeable changes in the baby's movement ,it could be a sign that labor is about to begin.If your baby is normally very active and you notice he isn't moving as much as usual,it could be because he is making his way to the birth canal and there isn't enough space for him to move. on the other hand, if he is usually relaxed but suddenly there is a marked increase in her activity,labor would soon begin.
. A sudden urge to purge- it doesn't happen to all women but many will suddenly have this uncontrollably strong desire purge. It is a motherly instincts and nature's way of preparing you to nature your baby. A sharp spike in the adrenaline levels towards the end of pregnancy likely contributes to the cleaning frenzy too.
.Water starts dripping - Water breaking is one of the most obvious ways the body tells the woman that the baby is about dropping .During pregnancy, a sac is formed filled with amniotic fluid.As labor draws close, the sac might break causing the fluids to leak ,it may also be a sudden gush of water just like in the movies.
. Everything goes Red- There is increased irritability ,hormones starts to surge as Labor approaches. These hormones cause a lot in the mood. Everyone around is bound to get on your nerves.
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. The body starts opening -During labor the cervix opens until it reaches 10cm which is when delivery can take place. However, dilation can occur before labour actually begins .when contractions start to occur, that's the true sign that labor is beginning.
. And begins thinning out - In addition to dilation, the cervix also thins out before and during labor .this is known as effacement. Throughout pregnancy ,the cervix is very thick and feels kind of like the tip of a nose. However as pregnancy and labor progresses,it starts to soften and eventually becomes as thin as a sheet of paper . As the baby makes its way to the birth canal ,her head pushes up against the cervix causing it to relax and become even more thinner or efface .without effacement, the baby can't pass through the birth canal hence the cervix is hard and thick throughout pregnancy.
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. The Gut instinct starts yelling at you -Never ever underestimate the gut instincts .while there may be no other indications that the baby is coming ,if you have a gut felling ,then there is a chance your baby is telling you it's time .Two of my friends said they didn't experience the typical signs that were known for labor but they just knew they were,One ignored her gut and ended up giving birth in her rest room while the other followed her gut and within 10minutes of arriving at the hospital, she was carrying her little one..
I hope you find this educating enough for the first time mums and prospective mums like us. Thanks