There are signs that labor may begin:
- Frequency of contractions
- The arrival of the mucus plug in your cervix (Engagement)
- Increased back pain
- The urge to go to the toilet caused by your baby's head pressing on your intestine
- Water breaking
The early stage of labor may take some time.
Call your midwife or birthing unit in the following cases: :
- If your water breaks
- If you have vaginal bleeding
- If your baby is moving less than normal
- If you are less than 37 weeks pregnant and If you think labor has started
Latent phase of labor
The beginning of labor is called the "latent phase". This is when your cervix becomes soft and thin and begins to open for your baby to be born. This can take hours or sometimes days. You will probably be advised to stay home during this time. If you go to the hospital or birthing unit, they may recommend you go back home.
How do contractions feel?
When you have a contraction, your uterus contracts and then relaxes. For some people, contractions can feel like extreme menstrual pain. You may have experienced contractions during your pregnancy, especially towards the end. These contractions are called Braxton Hicks contractions and are usually painless.
As your labor progresses, your contractions tend to become longer, stronger, and more frequent. During a contraction, muscles contract and pain increases. If you put your hand on your belly, you will feel it getting hard; When the muscles relax, the pain decreases and you feel the stiffness ease. Contractions push your baby down and open the entrance to your womb (cervix), ready for your baby to pass through. Your midwife will probably recommend that you stay home until your contractions become more frequent.
Call your midwife or birthing unit when your contractions become regular. Regular contractions:
- Lasts for at least 60 seconds
- Comes every 5 minutes
- Feels like giving birth
Engagement may indicate the beginning of labor
During pregnancy, there is a mucus plug in your cervix. This mucus disappears just before labor begins or during early labor. e may come out of your vagina. This sticky, jelly-like gray-pink mucus is called engagement. It may come out in one piece or several pieces. It is pink because it contains a small amount of blood.
The engagement indicates that the cervix is starting to open. Birth may follow quickly or take several days. Sometimes engagement does not occur or is not noticed.
What happens when your water breaks?
Your water will probably break during the baby's exit, but it may also break before labor begins. Your baby develops and grows in a bag of fluid called the amniotic sac. When it's time for your baby to be born, the sac usually ruptures and amniotic fluid flows out of your vagina. This is what water breaks. Sometimes, during labor, a midwife or doctor may recommend breaking your waters.
If your water breaks naturally, you may feel a slow trickle or a sudden gush of water that you cannot control. To be prepared for this, you can keep a sanitary towel (not a tampon) handy when you go out and a protective cover on your bed when you are at home.
Amniotic fluid is clear and pale. Sometimes it is difficult to separate amniotic fluid from urine. Your water may be a little bloody at first. If the water is foul-smelling or colored or if severe bleeding begins, notify your midwife immediately. If your water breaks before labor begins, call your midwife. Use a sanitary pad (not a tampon) so that your midwife can check the color of the water.
If labor pains do not start after your water breaks
It is normal for labor contractions to start within 18-24 hours after your water breaks. If labor contractions do not start, you will be offered an induction because there is an increased risk of infection for your baby once the amniotic sac opens. If you choose to wait until your induction or for labor to begin naturally, tell your midwife immediately if:
- Your baby is moving less than usual
- If there is any change in the color or smell of the fluid coming from your vagina
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You should measure your temperature every 4 hours while you are awake and tell your midwife if it is high. Fever is usually above 37.5 degrees. There is no evidence that showering after your water breaks increases your risk of infection, but having sex increases your risk of infection. �r.
What should you do when labor begins?
You can do the following at the beginning of labor:
- Walk or move
- Increase your fluid intake. - you may find that sports (isotonic) drinks help increase your energy levels can help you by doing it with you
- Have your birth partner rub your back - this can help relieve pain
- Take paracetamol according to the instructions on the pack - it is safe to take paracetamol
- Warm take a shower
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