How to recognize the first signs of labor and the main things to do when it happens

Pregnancy, in addition to being a beautiful experience, also brings many worries. How the woman will feel, how the delivery will be, how long it will last and how to know if the moment has really arrived or if it’s just a false alarm are some of the questions that mothers-to-be will lose sleep over.

To help parents-to-be recognize the signs of labor in time, we at awesome.clubwe have prepared a list of 8 signs that you should pay attention to.

During the last stage of pregnancy, you will stop gaining weight. Some mothers also experience slight weight loss. But there is nothing to worry about, it is completely normal, neither you nor your baby will experience any adverse effects, he will continue to gain weight normally.

In the last few days before giving birth, you may notice an increase in vaginal discharge. The consistency during this period will also be more viscous than usual. This thick, pink discharge is called a mucus plug and an indicator that labor is near.

The first contractions of labor feel like severe menstrual cramps. You may experience pain in your lower abdomen, lower back, or both. This pain can also extend down to the legs.

If your contractions are more and more frequent and their intensity tends to increase over time as labor progresses, it’s time to call your doctor or midwife. Contractions are an early sign of active labor. They occur because the uterus contracts in preparation for the moment it’s been eagerly awaiting: pushing the baby out.

This is especially true for first-time mothers. New mothers may feel the baby drop into their pelvis. It usually occurs 2 to 4 weeks before labor begins, but can vary. You should check with your doctor after experiencing this sensation. This happens because the baby is standing in the exit position, ideally with the head pointing down.

In births after the first child, this sensation occurs only when you are actually in labor.

You may feel pain in your lower back and groin area as labor approaches. This is because the muscles responsible for giving birth are changing and stretching in preparation for the big day.

Many mothers-to-be develop a nesting instinct (as if preparing a nest) as the day of birth approaches. If you also feel an urgent need to clean your house and organize everything to welcome the new member of your family, the long-awaited day may be approaching. However, you may also feel very tired and find it difficult to sleep during the last few days or weeks before the birth. If this is the case, tell your doctor.

In preparation for childbirth, the cervix begins to dilate a few days or weeks before delivery. But remember that everyone moves into birth differently, so it’s important to have your doctor or midwife check you periodically.

You can continue changing positions: go for a walk and move your hips to the sides. The key is to stay active so the baby can descend and put more pressure on your cervix to help dilate it. Make sure you eat well and drink plenty of water: eating before labor starts will give you all the energy you need to feel good and strong. Don’t forget to bring a bottle of water to the hospital. Don’t worry: childbirth, especially the first one, can be a long process. Try to go to the hospital only when your contractions are very close or several in a period of time less than 4 to 5 minutes. Don’t forget to have your bag ready for the hospital: you can see the example of what you should have in your suitcase here.

Share this post with all the pregnant women you know. And if you’ve been pregnant, tell us about other signs you noticed before labor started.