It's Time!: Signs of Going into Labor

Like most first time mothers, I was unsure how I was to know if I was in labor or not. I knew that most women suffer from severe contractions as they go through labor, but like pregnancy, every woman experiences it differently. I asked family and friend who have had children within the last two years, but as I expected, they all had different takes on it. I just wanted a list of signs to watch out for, but Instead I got their personal opinions. So I took to researching and thought I'd share my findings with other first timers.

There are several signs that will tell you that you're close to going into labor and that will let you know when you're in it. As I mentioned earlier, every woman is different. So if you don't experience some of the signs I discuss, don't worry, it's not a bad thing.

There are two big symptoms that you'll begin to experience in your third trimester. Some women experience it at the beginning of their third trimester, and some experience later in the trimester. These two symptoms are the Braxton Hicks and the Nesting Process.

Braxton Hicks
Braxton Hicks are sporadic false contractions caused by the tightening of the muscles in the uterus. Believe it or not these contractions actually begin about six weeks into your pregnancy, however you will not feel them until your third trimester. This symptom can be confusing as it may cause you to think you're going into actual labor. Remember these contractions are sporadic, so they will be random and you may be able to relax them by resting, switching positions, or moving. Labor contractions will not be random; nor will you have the ability to relax them. Labor contractions will also be much more intense, whereas Braxton Hicks will be mild. Keep in mind not all women experience this symptom.
Ways to Alleviate Braxton Hicks: Drinking water, slight changes in movement, lying down, urination and rhythmic breathing are all good ways to alleviate the cramping of Braxton Hicks.

The Nesting Process
This is an interesting symptom that occurs in the third trimester. Like Braxton Hicks, this symptom can occur at any point in the third trimester, most likely closer to Labor.The nesting process is a primal instinct that you cannot control. Nesting is the uncontrollable urge to basically tie up any loose ends. You may clean your house frequently, or organize constantly. You may even do such things at check your emails often or even just stay home to feel safe. You may want to put the finishing touches on your baby's nursery. You'll most likely be obsessing over being prepared for the new baby in some way or another (For example, registering on websites like enfamil, huggies, planningfamily etc.). Women almost always go through this process without realizing it, but some women never go through it. Take notice if you start obsessing over the state of organization in your house, it may just be the nesting process in full effect.

Symptoms of Labor
There are several symptoms that will let you know you're going into or are already in labor.Some are not quite noticeable and some women don't get some symptoms. These symptoms include: contractions, losing the mucus plug and pressure on the pelvis area as your little one drops further into your pelvis.

Contractions:
This is the most common symptom of labor. At this stage, contractions will most likely not be Braxton hicks. These contractions should feel more intense and occur at regular intervals. They are known as progressive contractions because they will occur longer and closer together as you get closer to delivery. These contractions will not go away with simple changes of position, rest or any of the alleviation methods mentioned above for braxton hicks.

Losing Your Mucus Plus/Water Breaking:
Another thing that will occur when you're going into labor is the losing of your mucus plug which will cause your body to release water (in other words your water will break).Your mucus plug will come out and will probably look white, clear, bright red or pink. You most likely won't even notice it until your soaked with water. Your water can break hours or minutes before or even during labor. Sometimes doctors will have to break your water for you. If you haven't already begun labor, once your water has broken, your contractions will probably speed up and intensify.

Baby Will Drop Deeper Into Pelvis:
You may feel intense pressure on your bladder, pelvis and/or cervix as the baby drops lower into your pelvis. This may feel like contractions, aches or even the urge to urinate frequently. It's a minor symptom and most women don't notice it when they are having contractions which are far more intense.

Stages of Labor
Labor is broken down into three stages which begin when you start to get regular contractions and ends when you pass the placenta. Labor usually lasts around 13 hours on average, so there is usually no reason to rush to the hospital. It's important to stay calm, take your time in making sure you have everything you'll need and know the stages of labor.

First Stage:
This stage is when the contractions start to intensify. This is the active phase. Once your contractions get closer together, you're in the transition phase. Between the active phase and the transition phase is a good time to start heading over to your hospital or the place you plan to give birth. During this stage your cervix will dilate and efface. Dilation will start at 0cm and increase all the way to 10cm. At 10cm, you're ready to give birth. Effacement is when your cervix softens in preparation for delivery.

Second Stage:
In this stage delivery will begin. Your contractions should be closer and stronger at this point. You may even feel the need to push (or not if you received medication for pain). One way or another, you will be directed what to do by your doctor, midwife or nurse. The second stage is over once your bundle of joy has been brought into the world.

Third Stage:
Beginning immediately or anywhere up to an hour after birth, your doctor, midwife or nurse will instruct you to give another push so that you may pass the placenta. They may refer to this as the afterbirth. You will probably be so preoccupied with your little one that this won't even phase you. Once the placenta is out, the healing process will begin. You will probably have to stay in the hospital for two or three days. Make sure you have a carriage, carrier or carseat so that you can bring the new baby home!

All Rights Reserved
Skylar Spring © copyright 2011