9 Signs To Know That Labour Is Near

Monday, September 15, 2014, 17:21 [IST]

Labour pain is something that every pregnant woman looks forward to and also dreads a lot. The beginning of labour means that after the difficult period of 9 months, your bundle of joy is finally coming into this world. But it also means that you will be in excruciating pain for at least 6 to 10 hours. Knowing the signs that labour is near helps a woman to prepare for it mentally.

If you are able to pick up the signs that labour is coming soon your way, you will be ready for it. Otherwise, labour will just spring on you suddenly and surprise you. It always makes sense to know what to expect when it comes to child birth. Besides, the signs that labour is starting may not always come at the end of your term. Sometimes, a preterm delivery is also a viable option.

That is why; you need to be careful about the signs that labour is near. If you read these signs early enough, you can start preparing for child birth while there is still time. These signs do not indicate the beginning of labour. However, they do signify that labour is near and you need to watch out for it.

Dropping

Most first time mothers experience what is called 'dropping' into the womb. Your baby moves downwards into the uterus and you can feel the head of the foetus in your cervix. This is a is a time when you know that labour will happen in a week or so.

Backache

Your back pain will get worse during the last leg of your pregnancy. You will struggle with terrible cramps in your back during this time.

Increased False Contractions

Most women experience false contractions as early as the 7th or 8th month. But as the real labour looms near, your contractions will increase in intensity and frequency. Your contractions might even start getting regular.

You Feel So Tired

You will be very tired and exhausted when you are about to go into labour. You will mostly have no energy to even lift a limb. It happens because your body is actually conserving energy for the long stretch of labour.

You Lose The Mucus Plug

You can lose the mucus plug or the seal that cordons off your uterus from any external injury just before you go into labour. This usually happens when your your cervix starts thinning and dilating in preparation for labour.

Frequent Urination

You experience frequent urination when you are pregnant anyway. You will literally be sitting in the toilet for the last couple of weeks of your pregnancy.

You Stop Gaining Weight

You are due to put on weight very rapidly throughout your last trimester. But when you are due to go into labour, you will stop gaining weight suddenly.

Vaginal Discharge

One of the common signs that labour is near is a bloody discharge or more vaginal discharge. This indicates that your body is preparing for childbirth.