Symptoms of Labor

Birth is a special situation for every pregnant woman. Therefore, the initial symptoms of labor are not standard. Prenatal physical changes can occur an hour before or several weeks before birth. Symptoms indicating that birth is approaching may not be experienced or noticed by every expectant mother. This is also normal. While some pregnant women experience severe pain during prenatal symptoms, some may experience watery and bloody discharge first. Symptoms of the onset of labor are divided into two groups: preliminary symptoms indicating the onset of labor and actual symptoms.

Preliminary Symptoms That Show the Beginning of Labor

Alleviation
Sudden energy boost
Backache
Digestive system symptoms
weight loss
False labor pains

Real Signs of Labor

Engagement Arrival
b of birthAs the uterus begins, the plug blocking the cervix is expelled.
It is an important finding indicating that labor has begun. Birth usually occurs 24-48 hours after engagement.
Cervical Changes
Changes are seen in the cervix. It is expected to reach sufficient clarity.
Rupture of Baby's Water Bladder
The water sac surrounding the baby opens and the fluid flows out.
Birth Pains

At the beginning of labor, contractions are generally moderate in intensity, short-term and intermittent. As the action progresses, contraction durations, intensity and frequency increase. While contractions initially come every 10-15 minutes and last for 15-30 seconds, as birth approaches, they come every 2-3 minutes and last about 60-90 seconds. As a result of these strong contractions, the cervix opens. In addition, another symptom indicating that labor has begun in some pregnant women is feeling pain along with contractions in the abdomen. These pains, which are initially mild, short-lived and infrequent, become longer, more severe and more frequent. It is not necessary to go to the hospital immediately when labor pains begin. The pains are in the form of cramps that start in the back and waist and spread towards the lower abdomen. Sometimes false labor pains that mimic real labor pains alarm the expectant mother. It is necessary to watch and observe some differences to distinguish whether the pain is real or fake.