Many women, especially first-time mothers, are a little unsure if the are, or are not in labor when it's time for their baby to arrive. They are often excited, and sometimes unsure of the signs. The signs of labor do not necessarily happen in order either, or even close together. You may loose your mucus plug one afternoon, but not have a baby for three more days, or, you may loose your plug, and start contractions and break your water within hours. So, paying attention to your body and its signs will let you know if your baby's arrival is near.
Common signs that labor is near:
Most women prior to labor experience an increase in their vaginal discharge, which may or may not contain pink, reddish, or brownish streaks. The streaks indicate that the mucus plug to the cervix is beginning to deteriorate, and the cervix is ready to, or beginning to dilate (open). Another sign that labor is near is the engagement of the baby's head, when the baby's head lowers into the pelvis to prepare for birth. Some women may also experience a dull, low backache that comes and goes before actual labor begins.
Signs of labor:
Bloody Show-
After the mucus plug deteriorates a little, it begins to expel itself from the cervix, resulting in what is called bloody show. The blood-streaked mucus may leave a little blood, pinkish usually, on your panties or toilet tissue when you use the bathroom.
Rupture of Membranes-
Many a movie has led us to believe that when your water breaks it gushes in a big, dramatic way. Immediately causing a huge puddle below, obvious to all who are around. But, for the majority of women, the rupturing of membranes may be anything from a mere trickle, to a short, undramatic, gush. Few women leave a huge puddle on the floor, and most of the time, only you will notice anything. It is very important to notify your doctor if your water has broken to help prevent infection, which could harm your baby before, or during delivery. Also, it is very important to not insert any tampons, have intercourse, of take a tub bath, to also help prevent infection. If the water is tinted with green, gold, or brown, notify your doctor right away, your baby may be in distress.
Pain in Lower Back-
This may be a dull ache that does not go away with movement, or and extremely intense pain that doesn't seem to lighten up.
Regular, Intense Contractions-
Your true labor contractions will be more intense than the Braxton-Hicks contractions you've been having, and they will come at regular intervals, instead of sporadically. They will also not change, or go away if you change positions or move around as Braxton-Hicks contractions do. Some women describe them as super-intense menstrual cramps, or the feeling of having an intense bowl movement, but all women are different, and so are contractions.
Some women also experience other signs that others do not, such as, diarrhea, a surge in energy, a quick feeling of fatigue, or bits of uncontrollable crying. Although they may or may not mean you're in labor, it is helpful to know that they can be expected, and are normal.
