How to Recognise Labour Signs

Pregnancy is a challenging yet rewarding journey for an expectant mother, marking the beginning of motherhood. If you are expecting your baby’s arrival soon, it is a good time to start learning how to identify the signs of labour to prepare yourself.

Signs of impending labour

These are some signs indicating that you may be going into labour:

• Lightening: Lightening, or the feeling of the baby dropping lower into the pelvis, can ease pressure on the diaphragm, making it easier to breathe. However, it can also increase pressure on the bladder, which causes you to potentially use the bathroom more frequently. Changes in your looks may be observed by others, such as your belly looking lower, even if you have not realised these changes on your own.
• Braxton Hicks or “false contractions”: Braxton Hicks contractions are the “false contractions” you may have experienced during pregnancy, especially as your due date is near.
  • Braxton Hicks can be uncomfortable, but they are typically painless. They occur irregularly and unpredictably, often causing a sensation of tightening or squeezing in the abdomen. They are usually short-lived, inconsistent, and do not become more intense or frequent as time goes on. They are often mistaken for actual labour, particularly in the weeks leading up to your due date.
  • In contrast, contractions in actual labour will become lengthier, stronger, and more constant. The uterus muscles tighten during a real contraction, causing increased pain. You will feel the muscles tightening if you touch your abdomen during a contraction. When your contractions subside, the pain is lessened, and your abdomen slowly relaxes.
• Backache: Some women go through constant lower back pain which is a sign of impending labour.
• Bloody mucus: A dense mucus plug acts as a protective barrier for the cervical opening to prevent bacteria from entering the uterus during pregnancy. This plug is naturally discharged as the cervix begins to soften and thin out to prepare for labour. Many may believe it would look like a solid cork, but it usually appears as stringy mucus or discharge named a show. The colour can go from clear to pink or tinged in blood, and its expulsion can happen in minutes, hours, or even days before the start of labour. However, not all expecting women may observe this sign.
• Water breaks: Your baby develops and grows in a fluid-filled bag called an amniotic sac. It typically breaks when your baby is going to be born and the amniotic fluid leaks out through your vagina, which is an occurrence of your waters breaking. Just 1 in 10 women go through an abrupt surge of amniotic fluid when their water breaks.
• Cervical changes: As labour is near, your cervix may dilate and efface which can be spotted during a pelvic exam.
• Nesting instinct: You probably have been fighting the desire to nap throughout most of your pregnancy, so you may be no stranger to this symptom. There will be a day when you wake up feeling full of energy and refreshed. You might find yourself with a burst of energy and a strong desire to clean, organise, or get your home ready for the baby’s arrival.

The feeling of a contraction

Contractions, as described by some women, are like strong menstrual pains. Your contractions typically become lengthier, stronger, and more frequent as your labour progresses. During a contraction, your womb muscles tighten, and the pain becomes stronger. When you touch your abdomen, you can feel your abdomen tighten as your muscles contract. Your abdomen slowly relaxes when your muscles relax, and the pain decreases.

The contractions have your baby pushed downwards and prepare the way for your baby to pass through by opening the entrance to your womb (the cervix). Your contractions would be in a consistent pattern that occurs every five minutes.

Preparing your body for the start of labour

These are what you can do during early labour to prepare your body for it:

1. You can walk or move about as an option.
2. You can drink isotonic drinks to maintain your energy and hydration levels.
3. You can have a snack.
4. You can practise the breathing exercises that you have learned to manage you’re your contractions. You can rope in your spouse for the exercises.
5. You can get your spouse to rub your back to soothe your pain.
6. You can take a warm bath.

Schedule an appointment at Gleneagles Hospitals

Recognising labour signs early is important for both physical and mental preparation. If your partner is well-informed and aware of these important signs, it can significantly benefit you.

Get in touch with us to book an appointment with our team of obstetricians today, or find out more about our Obstetrics and Gynaecology Services at your nearest Gleneagles Hospital.