Arrival of a baby is something parents awaitwith bated breath. However, not many expecting moms are aware of when labor actually starts; with most, if not all, thinking that the pain and contractions are the first signs of labor. However, the signs of labor can start weeks even months before pregnancy, and need to be carefully noted in order for an expecting mother to prepare herself physically as well as mentally for the same. Here are some of those signs that you should never ignore during pregnancy.
The Baby Drops
A few weeks before pregnancy, you will notice the weight drop from your stomach and diaphragm. This is an indication of the baby moving into position to come out. The resulting movement will place more pressure on your urinary tract, thus forcing you to visit the bathroom more often.
You get Diarrhea
You may start experiencing loose bowel movements a few days before delivery. This is the body’s way of cleaning out waste and other unnecessary bulk from your body in order to allow your uterus to expand more for the childbirth.
You experience a change in color and consistency in your vaginal discharge
A few days before labor pains set in, you will start noticing a change in the color and consistency of your vaginal discharge. Chances are the mucous plug that seals off the uterus will become loose and come out in which case you will notice some blood spotting. This indicates that labor is just a few days away.
Your Contractions are stronger and more frequent
Many women don’t know that labor contractions (called Braxton- Hicks contractions) can set in weeks, even months before actual childbirth. They often tend to dismiss these contractions as pain caused by the baby moving inside. In reality, these pains and pinches are caused by the uterus tightening itself for childbirth. You can surely note that you are going into labor when these contractions become more frequent and painful.
Tips to prepare for childbirth
Now that you know what to expect before and during childbirth, here are some tips to help you handle it better.
- Squatting: Squatting regularly helps increase the opening of the pelvis by 28%. So try squatting for short intervals on a regular basis during the last few weeks of the pregnancy.
- Learn techniques to handle pain: There are numerous techniques you can adapt to ease delivery pain. Check out different methods and hold onto the ones that suit you best in order to have a hassle free childbirth.
- Stand, walk, squat and kneel before childbirth: These are ways you can help coax your baby into the pelvis. They help get the baby into position for childbirth in a less painful manner.
It is important to take note of the signs of labor as and when they start occurring. These signs are an indication for an expecting mother to prepare herself for labor which is just around the corner.