03/06/2024
LABOUR SIGNS
Telling when you are going into labour can be more difficult than you expect it to be. A non-pregnant person will immediately recognise contractions, but a pregnant woman has so much going on with braxton hicks contractions, bladder control, sore muscles or pelvis, sciatica or nerve pain, swelling etc. that the early signs of labour can often be mistaken. But don’t worry, there is usually enough time to figure things out.
How to know if you are in labour?
-Contractions becoming STRONGER and REGULAR and DOES NOT go away regardless of your position
-Your water brreaks. BUT your water breaking doesn’t mean you are in labour. It is just a sure sign that your body is getting ready for the birth and you should go into hospital, but you might not have any contractions at all.
-The mucus plug that you loose (called a ‘show’) is a sign that your body is preparing for labour but it is NOT a sign of labour. When you see the mucus plug the baby can be born anywhere from a couple of hours to weeks later. This is not a sign of labour you should rely on.
So if we are talking contractions, how do we know? Again, two signs to look out for to distinguish between braxton hicks contractions (false labour) and labour contractions:
♡The contractions are intensifying over time meaningthey get stronger or more painful and closer to each other
♡Nothing makes it stop, Lying down, walking, resting etc. nothing makes the contractions go away.
NB: Two instances you should call or get checked out by your doctor/midwife as soon as possible:
Seeing the mucus plug (show) when you are not term, so before 37 weeks. Call your healthcare provider and take a picture to show if needed!
Water breaking and it is a dark greenish colour, not yellowish like straw. Go in ASAP.
If you are experiencing contractions before 37 weeks gestation. Go in ASAP.
Reference:
The Online Midwife
