Signs Of The Beginning Of Childbirth

Many couples expecting their first child, in particular, think well in advance of giving birth how they can be sure the birth is about to begin or begin, and when it’s time to go to the maternity hospital. Today we tell you what are the most common signs of the onset of childbirth.

Signs of the onset of labor

Predictive symptoms usually begin as early as a few weeks before the actual delivery. It is common for the expectant mother to have worsening back pain at this point, an increase in the feeling of weight in her hips, and difficulty walking. The need to urinate may also increase and white discharge may become more abundant.

Other signs of approaching or beginning labor include:

• Detachment of the mucus plug: The mucus plug is a clump of mucus detaching from the walls of the uterus that protects the uterus during pregnancy. The detachment of this tough cervical mucus gives indications of approaching labor, but does not initiate labor. It can take hours, days, or even weeks for the mucus to come off.

• Eau de Toilette: Amniotic fluid, which contains important protective substances, protects the fetus from external threats, helps it move in the womb, and helps develop its lungs and digestive system. The amniotic fluid can go at any stage of childbirth, i.e. the childbirth can start with the flow of amniotic fluid before the contractions begin, or the water can only go in the maternity ward. It is estimated that only 10% of births get amniotic fluid before contractions begin.
• Contractions: Many expectant mothers suffer from so-called Braxton-Hicks contractions as the calculated time approaches as the uterus grows, stretches, and prepares for childbirth. These exercise contractions are perfectly normal, but do not yet indicate the onset of labor. If labor begins with contractions, it can be difficult for the mother to estimate when it is the right time to leave the maternity ward. As a general rule, contractions must have lasted for at least two hours and be intensifying and regular, ie occurring less than every 10 minutes.

• Cervical opening: Childbirth is divided into the opening phase, the effort phase, and the exit of the offspring. The first of these begins with the onset of regular contractions that open the cervix and ends when the cervix is ​​fully open. During this stage, the cervix softens and disappears and the baby’s tender part settles to the bottom of the mother’s pelvis. This is the longest stage of childbirth that can take hours. The mother cannot assess the degree of cervical opening herself and thus the progress of childbirth, but this is always done by a midwife or doctor.

What is the difference between exercise contractions and actual contractions?

It is therefore very common for the uterus to contract somewhat during pregnancy before childbirth begins. Braxton-Hicks are best identified by the following signs:

• The contractions are irregular
• The contractions do not intensify and do not recur more often
• There are long breaks between contractions
• The pain in the lower abdomen is mild

The actual contractions that mark the onset of labor are recognized by the fact that the sensations of contraction become more frequent and regular and begin to become more painful. The pain is burning and blunt and may resemble severe menstrual pain. Pain during the opening phase is often felt in the sacrum and lower back, pelvic region, and abdomen, and some in the sides and thighs as well. The actual contractions are best identified by the following signs:

• Contractions usually begin gradually in the lower back or abdomen
• The contractions are gradually intensifying
• Contractions continue even as the mother changes position, moves, or rests
• The contractions thicken and last for about half a minute to a minute