As you near the end of your pregnancy, it can be helpful to take note of any new symptoms or signs you’re experiencing, so you can share them with your healthcare provider. It’s an exciting time, full of anticipation. After all, dilation-or the opening of your cervix-is a sign of labor.Įvery labor is different, and every woman experiences different signs and symptoms of labor. As you reach the last weeks of your pregnancy and begin weekly checkups with your doctor, he or she may do an exam and check to see if there is any dilation. When you reach 10 centimeters, you’re fully dilated. Cervix dilation is measured in centimeters. In true labor, the contractions won’t go away, regardless of changing your position. If you’re experiencing Braxton Hicks contractions and you stand up or lie down (or otherwise change your position), your contractions will stop. Changing your position doesn’t stop the contractions.Are they occurring more regularly, at regular intervals? Increasing contractions are a sign of labor. Time your contractions, including how long they last and how far apart they are. Your contractions increase in frequency, becoming progressively stronger. Here’s how you can distinguish “real” early labor contractions from Braxton Hicks (or false labor) contractions: Many women experience Braxton Hicks contractions for many weeks or months during their pregnancy, but they are not a sign of labor. Contractions can be a tricky sign of labor because of Braxton Hicks contractions, which are essentially “fake” contractions. It’s also helpful to know that you may not have contractions right away if your water breaks. Although it may happen in that way for some women, it can also be a slow, trickling leak. When your water breaks, it won’t necessarily happen the way it does in the movies-like a giant bucket of water spilling all over. The passing of your mucus plug can discharge all at once or gradually. This lost mucus may also be referred to as “bloody show” because of the color of the discharge, which can contain blood or be pink in color (it can also be clear mucus). When labor starts and your cervix begins to dilate, the mucus plug, as the accumulation of mucus is referred to, is discharged. This is a normal sign that your pregnancy is progressing. As your pregnancy continues, you may feel some cramping. During your pregnancy, clumps of mucus build up on your cervix, “plugging” its opening and sealing the uterus, and the baby off from any germs or bacteria. If you have diarrhea, remember to stay hydrated (and stay near a bathroom to make it easier on yourself). As your body is preparing for the baby to arrive, it’s making room and clearing out for childbirth. To ease the pain, try taking a warm bath or shower or applying a hot or cold compress. Back labor can be painful and uncomfortable, especially when coupled with contractions. This is often called “back labor,” as your muscles and joints are loosening and stretching. Menstrual-like cramps are a common sign of early labor. You may find that you need to use the bathroom more often and that you have now started to “waddle” when you walk. You can often tell a baby has dropped because you feel increased pelvic pressure-this is because the baby is sitting lower and their head is pushing down on that area of your body.
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