Symptoms of the onset of labor. What does a woman experience before giving birth? How labor begins

Signs of the onset of labor is a question that concerns all women without exception in the third trimester of pregnancy. Sometimes an expectant mother may mistake training contractions for symptoms of beginning labor, and sometimes their bright signs do not attract due attention. In order not to be mistaken in her assumptions, every woman should know how to determine the onset of labor and what sensations this process causes in the woman in labor.

When and why do the first prenatal symptoms appear?

Approximately 14-20 days before the onset of labor, the patient’s hormonal levels gradually change. The level of progesterone, which is responsible for the safety of the fetus inside the uterus, begins to decrease, and estrogen, which prepares the expectant mother’s body for the upcoming birth, on the contrary, increases. The placenta is “aging”, which is also one of the signals that very soon the happy mother will meet her long-awaited baby.

The first signs of labor are a collective name that implies the preparation of the birth canal for the gentle and safe passage of the baby through it. This happens gradually to reduce the risk of injury to the uterus and vagina during the birth process.

As for the question of when the harbingers of labor begin to appear, this happens approximately 14 days before the baby is born. However, everything depends on the individual characteristics of the expectant mother’s body. In some patients, specific sensations characteristic of the onset of labor appear several days before the birth of the long-awaited baby. However, this usually happens.

During the second pregnancy, obvious or hidden (this is also a purely individual factor) signs of imminent labor appear several hours before its onset. Due to the fact that the onset of labor can be latent (even in primiparous women), as well as for the purpose of constant monitoring of the patient’s condition, the gynecologist may recommend hospitalization for her 3-5 days before birth.

Why does labor begin?

The first signs of the onset of labor appear in women when the uterus is completely ready for this process. This is one of the main reasons it started. In addition to it, there are several other factors that play an important role in this matter. They are:

1. Sufficient fruit weight and size.
2. Absolute readiness of the neuromuscular apparatus of the uterus for contraction.
3. Full maturation of the placenta.

To fully prepare the patient’s body for the upcoming birth, the normal functioning of her nervous system is extremely important. It is she who is responsible for the ability of the uterus to contract, which is the main guarantee of giving birth to a child naturally (that is, without surgical intervention).

Symptoms of approaching labor

Various signs can signal the beginning of the process of expulsion of the fetus from the uterine cavity. First of all, this concerns:

1. Contractions.

These are the sensations and signs that every pregnant woman will definitely notice before giving birth.

Is cramping pain a sign of labor?

Depending on the individual characteristics of a woman’s body, pain during contractions may be insignificant, when she can easily go about her daily activities. But it also happens differently: the pain syndrome develops so intensely that the patient has to take certain positions to alleviate the condition. Uterine pain is soon joined by a pulling sensation in the lower back.

Contractions can be real, when they actually signal that a woman is beginning the process of childbirth, and training contractions, which occur when the body is preparing for the birth of a baby.

In addition, real matchups are distinguished by the presence of equal intervals between uterine contractions. This period of time is different for each woman - from 10 to 20 minutes. The less time remains before the baby is born, the shorter the time between contractions becomes. In order not to confuse real and training contractions, a pregnant woman should time the intervals between contractions of the uterine muscles.

There is another way to help distinguish real contractions from false ones. To do this, the expectant mother should take one No-Shpa tablet and lie down for a while. If childbirth is really close, the cramping pain will not go away, but, on the contrary, will intensify. If the contractions are false, then the spasms in the area of ​​the genital organ will soon disappear.

Leakage of amniotic fluid

Another signal indicating that labor is beginning is the rupture of a bladder containing amniotic fluid. As a rule, after this the process of expulsion of the fetus from the uterus does not drag on for more than 12 hours.

If the water breaks, the first thing a woman should do is call the gynecologist and let him know about it. Among other things, you should notify the doctor about the color and smell of the amniotic fluid, and also indicate the time of its passage.

In the absence of any pathologies, the woman should first begin to experience contractions, and only then (namely, before starting to push) should her water break. However, this is a purely individual phenomenon. In some patients, the fluid bubble may not burst until the last moment, so the gynecologist has to pierce it with a special needle.

Other pregnant women leak fluid long before their due date, but this is not considered normal. If this happens, you should not ignore such an anomaly - you must urgently contact a gynecologist. This condition can be dangerous for the fetus.

Other signs that occur before birth

There are several more options for recognizing the beginning of the process of expulsion of the fetus from the uterus. They are associated not only with the physical sensations of a pregnant woman, but also with other, no less important, factors. In order not to miss the signs of labor that has begun, it is necessary to consider each of them in more detail.

Abdominal prolapse

At approximately 35 weeks of pregnancy, the expectant mother may notice the disappearance of discomfort in the diaphragm. In addition to the fact that shortness of breath disappears, heartburn also goes away, since the baby “hides” in the mother’s pelvis, and the uterus no longer puts pressure on nearby organs. This phenomenon is commonly called in gynecological practice.

Decreased intrauterine fetal activity

As the fetus gradually increases in size, there is less and less free space in the uterus. For this reason, the baby begins to behave calmer, his activity decreases significantly.

During this period of time, the expectant mother should be vigilant: if less than 10 times a day, it is necessary to urgently inform the gynecologist about this.

Drastic weight loss

Sudden weight loss may indicate that the expectant mother will begin labor very soon. It is explained by the gradual ridding of the body of excess fluid. In this case, a woman loses approximately 2-3 kilograms in a fairly short time. For the same reason, a woman’s swelling, if any, may disappear.

Removal of the mucus plug

The mucus plug is a strong barrier that protects the uterus and fetus from infection by various pathogenic bacteria. It consists of a lump of mucus and blood streaks.

It can occur both before birth and directly during the baby’s passage through the birth canal.

Frequent urge to urinate and defecate

Approximately 7 days before giving birth, a woman’s body begins to actively produce the hormone prostaglandin. It is he who is responsible for preparing the birth canal for the expulsion of the fetus. Thus, this hormone rids the expectant mother’s body of excess fluid and solid waste products.

There are other symptoms of the onset of labor or its imminent onset. In particular, this applies to:

1. Increased activity of the expectant mother, who wants to have time to complete all planned tasks before the birth of the baby.
2. Softening of the cervix.
3. Vomiting, .
4. Changes in psycho-emotional state.
5. Changes in posture.

Such signs of the imminent onset of labor can be observed both in primiparous women and in women who have previously given birth. Having noticed such changes, every expectant mother can be sure: a happy event is very close.

Symptoms on the eve of childbirth in primiparous and multiparous women

For first-time mothers, the symptoms of approaching labor are somewhat different than for expectant mothers who are carrying a second or third child. At the same time, many mothers cannot distinguish real contractions from false ones, since they have never encountered such a phenomenon before. For this reason, they begin to worry and panic, packing things for the maternity hospital when it is too early to think about it.

Among other things, primiparous women may not show all the signs of incipient labor, but only some of them. However, it is not uncommon for cases when, for certain (often individual) reasons, the process of dilation of the cervix is ​​completely asymptomatic.

Signs of labor in multiparous women

May differ from those observed in firstborns (future mothers expecting their first child).

The uterus of experienced mothers contracts faster, and it also has a wider lumen. As for what signs of impending labor are observed in women who are pregnant for the second time, it is worth noting that they can be more pronounced and intense. However, they proceed much faster, and the interval between contractions is much shorter than in first-time mothers.

Among other things, it is worth noting the following differences:

1. In women who have previously given birth, the stomach drops almost before childbirth.
2. The first signs of labor appear a few days before the expulsion of the fetus from the uterus.
3. Contractions cause much more pain than during the first birth.

In order not to miss an important moment when it is necessary to urgently go to the hospital, the expectant mother must listen to all the signals that her body gives. In this case, it does not matter at all whether she is giving birth for the first or second time.

Doctors may resort to artificial stimulation. This is a very unpleasant and painful process, so to avoid it, you need to follow simple rules a few weeks before hospitalization:

1. Walk more in the fresh air.
2. Exercise (in moderation).
3. Do household chores at a brisk pace.
4. There are natural vegetable salads with unrefined vegetable oil.

Knowing what the signs and symptoms of impending labor may be can help every woman prepare adequately for the process. Even if it is not as quick and painless as we would like, it will not be able to reduce the joy of the future mother from the imminent meeting with her long-awaited and beloved baby!

However, sometimes the safety of mother and baby can only be ensured with the help of medical intervention.

Changes may occur in your body indicating that a crucial moment is approaching. Women feel them several weeks before giving birth - with varying degrees of intensity - or do not feel them at all.

The duration of the difficult process of bringing a baby into the world can vary greatly. For the first birth, it averages 13 hours, for repeated births - about eight. Doctors consider the beginning of labor to be the dilatation of the cervix with regularly recurring contractions.

Over the past 50 years, the average duration of this process has been halved, asin severe cases, a caesarean section is now performed in a timely manner. Spontaneous contractions often begin at night when the body relaxes. Many children prefer to look at this world for the first time in the dark. According to statistics, most births occur at night.

What exactly causes labor pains is a question to which the answer is not yet known. What is clear is that the child himself plays an important role in this process. But exactly what mechanisms provide the decisive impetus remains a mystery.

Recent studies suggest that contractions begin under the influence of a protein substance produced by the child, the so-called SP-A protein, which is also responsible for the maturation of the lungs.

Consultation with a gynecologist. Braxton Hicks contractions are usually difficult to distinguish from real labor contractions. During the third trimester, false labor contractions become more intense and frequent if you are active or dehydrated. If you feel them, sit in a cool place, elevate your feet, drink something and rest. If the intervals between contractions increase and their intensity decreases, then they are false. If they become more frequent or severe (especially if they occur every 5 minutes), call your doctor. I always tell patients that no one has ever described their sensations as “spastic” while giving birth to a child. As a rule, the intensity of labor contractions, during which the child passes through the birth canal, is described as follows: “I can’t walk or talk.”

You've seen it in countless movies. Sudden realization: the woman in labor needs to be taken to the hospital URGENTLY! The woman becomes a real fury, spewing curses (“You did this to me!”). Doubled over in terrible pain, she stops moaning only to unleash another round of curses at her poor, panic-stricken husband, who suddenly forgets everything he learned in the Lamaze course, loses his bag prepared for the trip to the maternity hospital, and inevitably sends car straight into a traffic jam, where he ends up having to deliver the baby himself.

The truth is that most couples have plenty of time to realize that labor has actually begun. No one knows exactly what triggers this mechanism, but they are approaching quite quickly. Here are some signs that will tell you it's time to grab your bag and the baby in labor - and get in the car.

Labor begins - signs of labor

Most women give birth to their children earlier or later than the estimated date indicated on the exchange card.

Moreover, most often the deviation in both directions does not exceed ten days. Ultimately, the expected date of birth only plays the role of a guideline. Only 3% to 5% of children are born exactly on this day. If the doctor said that your baby will be born on December 31st, you can be sure that you will not give birth on New Year's Eve.

Loose stools

This is due to hormonal changes caused by prostaglandins.

And this makes sense: your body begins to cleanse the intestines to free up more space inside the body for the baby.

Estimated date of birth (EDD)

This is the day on which your baby is statistically likely to be born. Most give birth somewhere between 37 and 42 weeks. Although many women don't give birth exactly on their expected date, you should definitely know it so you can be prepared. The closer it is, the more attention you need to pay to your bodily sensations and possible signals of the onset of labor. When you turn over the calendar and see the month in which the birth is due, you will feel excitement (and mild panic). Soon!

Contractions - first signs of approaching labor

In 70-80% of cases, the onset of labor announces itself with the appearance of real labor pains. They cannot be immediately distinguished from training ones, which you may have noticed for the first time a few weeks ago. At these moments, the abdomen hardens and the uterus contracts for 30-45 seconds.

The pain caused by contractions is well tolerated at first: you can even walk a little if you want. As soon as a certain regularity is established in the contractions, you will, without any prompting, put everything aside and listen to what is happening inside you.

As contractions gradually intensify, it is recommended to perform the breathing exercises that you were taught in childbirth preparation courses. Try to breathe as deeply as possible, inhale from your stomach. Your baby also has to do hard work during birth. And oxygen will be very useful to him for this.

Braxton Hicks contractions (preparatory). These contractions of the uterine muscles begin early, although you may not notice them. You will feel tension in the uterus. Such contractions are brief and painless. Sometimes there are several of them, they follow each other, but usually they stop quickly. Closer to labor, Braxton Hicks contractions help prepare the cervix for the process.

Go to the clinic immediately!

Regardless of the onset of contractions, if the baby stops moving, the membranes are ruptured, or there is vaginal bleeding, you should immediately go to the clinic.

Braxton Hicks contractions are a “warm-up” before the real contractions begin. They can start and stop several times and often stop when you are active (for example, while walking). Early labor contractions will be uneven in intensity and frequency: some will be so strong that you will lose your breath, others will simply resemble spasms. The intervals between them will be either 3-5 or 10-15 minutes. If you talked to your doctor for 15 minutes discussing whether labor had started or not, and never stopped, it was most likely a false alarm.

Learn to recognize contractions

During the early stages of labor, contractions lasting about 30 seconds may occur every 20 minutes.

• The first contractions are similar to spasmodic menstrual pain (radiating pain). The muscles of the uterus begin to contract so that the cervix opens to the full 10 cm.
  
• Late contractions feel like severe menstrual pain or reach an intensity you never imagined.
  
• When contractions become very strong and the rhythm of contractions becomes regular, it means it has begun for real!
  

There are no mandatory standards for when you can come to the maternity hospital. But if contractions occur every 5 minutes for an hour and make you freeze in pain, no one will prevent you from appearing in the maternity ward. Make an action plan with your doctor, taking into account the time it takes to travel.

• If you live near a maternity hospital, wait until the contraction rhythm is 1 every 5 minutes for an hour, and then call and tell your doctor that you are going.
  
• If the maternity hospital is 45 minutes away from you, then most likely you should leave when the contractions are less frequent.
  

Discuss this with your doctor in advance so you don't panic during labor. Remember that with the onset of the active stage, the cervix in most women dilates by 1-2 cm per hour. So do the math: 6-8 hours before you start pushing. (But if at your last doctor’s appointment you were told that your dilation was 4 cm, it is better to come to the maternity hospital early.)

Consultation with a gynecologist. I caution expectant parents, especially if this is their first pregnancy, that there may be a few “false alarms.” My wife is an OB/GYN and she made me take her to the hospital 3-4 times while pregnant with each of our three children! If she couldn't tell for sure, who could? I always tell patients: it is better for them to come and be checked (if it is premature, they will simply be sent home) than to give birth on the side of the road.

Timing is everything

How to calculate the time and rhythm of contractions? There are two ways. Just pick one and stick with it and watch things unfold.

Method 1

1. Note the moment when one contraction begins and its duration (for example, from 30 seconds to 1 minute).
   
2. Then note when the next contraction begins. If it is not felt within 9 minutes, then the regularity of contractions is 10 minutes.
   
3. It can become confusing if contractions occur more frequently. Always note the time from the start of one contraction to the start of the next.
   
4. If a contraction lasts a whole minute, and the next one begins 3 minutes after the end of the previous one, then contractions occur once every 4 minutes. When their frequency increases, it is difficult to concentrate on counting. Ask someone close to you to count the contractions for you.
   

Method 2

Almost the same, but here you start counting the time from the end of one contraction to the end of the next.

Opening and effacement of the cervix

Imagine your cervix as a big, plump donut. Before childbirth, it begins to thin and stretch. Expansion (opening) and thinning (flattening) can occur over a period of weeks, a day, or a few hours. There is no standard for the time frame and nature of the process. As the due date approaches, your doctor will make conclusions about the condition of the cervix as follows: “Dilatation 2 cm, shortening 1 cm.”

Abdominal prolapse

This happens when the fetus descends to the entrance to the pelvis and, as it were, “gets stuck” there, i.e. no longer moves inside. During Braxton Hicks contractions, it moves even further into the lower pelvic region. Imagine the child moving into the “start” position. This process begins for all women at different times, for some - only before childbirth. For many, the news of fetal descent is both good and bad news. It’s now becoming easier to breathe and eat, but the pressure on the bladder and pelvic ligaments makes you run to the toilet more and more often. Some expectant mothers even begin to think that the baby might simply fall out, because he is now so low. During the exam, your doctor will determine how low in the pelvis your baby is, or what his “position” is.

Abdominal prolapse occurs when the child seems to “fall” and descends towards the entrance to the pelvis. Head first, the baby moves into the pelvis, thereby preparing to travel through the birth canal. However, for women who experience abdominal prolapse a few days or weeks before giving birth, this symptom is a “false clue”, and for some it does not happen at all until the start of active labor. Braxton Hicks contractions become stronger, the baby gradually moves lower into the pelvis, the pressure on the cervix increases, and it softens and thins.

Rupture of membranes

In 10-15% of cases, the onset of labor is heralded by premature rupture of the membranes, which occurs before the first contractions appear.

If the baby's head is firmly established in the pelvis, then the loss of amniotic fluid will not be so large-scale.

You will know that the amniotic sac has ruptured by copious discharge of clear, warm fluid from the vagina.

Rupture of the amniotic sac does not cause any pain, since there are no nerve fibers in its membrane. Sometimes the amniotic fluid may be green in color: this means that the baby has already passed his first stool. Record the time of rupture of the membranes and the color of the discharged fluid, and inform the midwife or the maternity ward of the clinic. Here you will receive instructions on your next steps.

It is very rare that the amniotic sac ruptures in its upper part, with amniotic fluid draining out only drop by drop. Then they can easily be mistaken for urine or vaginal discharge, especially if the bladder is slightly weak. If you suspect that amniotic fluid is breaking, call your doctor immediately or go to the maternity hospital. A short inspection will clarify the situation.

As a rule, rupture of the membranes does not lead to dramatic consequences. Usually, contractions occur spontaneously within the next 12-18 hours, and childbirth occurs naturally. In the absence of contractions, they are artificially stimulated with appropriate medications to reduce the risk of infection for mother and child.

Water breaking

Sometimes the amniotic sac is referred to by the strange, biblical-sounding term “fetal sac.” When it bursts (either naturally or by a doctor), it means that labor will occur within 24-48 hours. As a rule, the doctor decides not to take risks and not wait more than 24 hours after opening the bladder, especially if the baby is born at term, because there is a danger of infection.

If your water breaks

When the amniotic sac bursts, it's like a small flood, and it's impossible to predict exactly when or where it will happen. In the third trimester, the amniotic sac, a soft and comfortable “place of stay” for the baby, already contains about a liter of amniotic fluid. (Pour a liter of water on the floor - this is what it might look like.) But remember:

• For some women, the “leakage” is very small.
• Fluid will continue to leak from the sac even after your water breaks because your body will continue to produce it.
• Some women's water does not break spontaneously, and to stimulate labor, the doctor performs an amniotomy by piercing the sac with a long plastic hook.
• The liquid should be colorless. If it is dark (greenish, brownish, yellowish), this may mean that the baby has defecated directly in the uterus (this type of stool is called meconium). This may be a sign of severe stress in the fetus. Call your doctor immediately.

Consultation with a gynecologist. Heavy vaginal discharge during late pregnancy is completely normal. V 10-20% of women at this stage are so significant that they have to wear pads all the time. Blood flow to the vagina and cervix increases in the third trimester, so vaginal secretion also increases. You may not immediately understand whether this is discharge or your water has broken. If you feel “wet,” dry yourself and walk around a little. If fluid continues to leak, call your doctor.

Signal bleeding is a symptom of the onset of labor

Usually, throughout pregnancy, the uterine os remains closed with viscous mucus, which protects the fetal bladder from inflammation. When the cervix shortens and the uterine pharynx opens, the so-called mucus plug comes out. This is also a sign of impending labor. However, labor pains do not necessarily occur on the same day. Sometimes it takes several more days or even weeks before real contractions appear.

Closer to childbirth, mucus may lose its viscosity and come out as a clear liquid. In most cases, this is accompanied by a small, so-called signal, bleeding. It is much weaker than menstrual and completely harmless. However, to be sure, you should talk to your doctor or midwife about this - you should make sure that the bleeding is not caused by other reasons that could threaten you and your baby. Very often, a woman does not notice the separation of the mucus plug at all.

Light spotting or spotting

They may appear due to changes occurring in the cervix as it prepares to open. Contractions soften the cervix and the capillaries begin to bleed. Contractions intensify and spotting occurs. Any pressure on the cervix may cause slight bleeding (due to exercise, sex, straining during bowel movements, or straining the bladder muscles). If you are unsure whether this bleeding is normal, call your doctor.

Removal of the mucus plug

The cervix softens and begins to open, releasing a mucus plug. Sometimes the mucus flows out slowly or the plug may come out in the form of a knotty thick flagellum. Until this moment, mucus acts as a protective barrier in the cervix and is constantly produced by the body, especially a lot closer to childbirth. It's not a sign of impending labor—some women produce mucus for weeks beforehand—but it's definitely a sign that something is starting to change.

Backache

Pain may occur if the baby is positioned facing forward rather than toward your back. If the baby does not turn to his back, they may get worse. Pain may also occur due to the pressure of his head on your spine when contractions begin.

Cozy nest: not only for birds

Pregnant women often have a strong desire to build a cozy nest even before the onset of labor. The surge of “nesting” energy, which contrasts so strongly with the debilitating fatigue of the last trimester, forces expectant mothers to arrange their habitat, turning it into a nice and clean “incubator”. Another sign that you have begun the “nesting” period is the speed with which you try to get everything done, and how demanding you make requests to your family. "Nesting" is usually expressed as:

• painting, cleaning, arranging furniture in the nursery;
  
• throwing away trash;
  
• organizing things of the same type (food in the buffet, books and photographs on the shelves, tools in the garage);
  
• deep cleaning the home or completing “renovation projects”;
  
• purchasing and organizing children's clothing;
  
• baking, preparing food and stuffing it around the refrigerator;
  
• packing a bag for a trip to the hospital.
  

An important caveat: for some pregnant women, “nesting” never occurs, and if such impulses appear, the expectant mother feels too lethargic to do anything.

Symptoms of labor

False contractions are a nagging pain in the lower abdomen, similar to pain during menstruation. If such contractions are not strong and not regular, there is no need to do anything special: this is only preparing the uterus for childbirth. The uterus seems to be testing its strength before the important work ahead, gathering itself and relaxing its muscles. At the same time, you can feel the tone of the uterus - sometimes it seems to gather in a lump and become harder. The uterus can become toned without pain, since the closer the birth gets, the more sensitive and irritable it becomes. This is fine.

The third important harbinger of labor may be the release of the mucus plug. This is a mucous content that “lives” in the cervix, as if clogging the baby’s “house”. The mucus plug may come off in the form of a thick and sticky discharge of a transparent pinkish color.

A woman may not feel the warning signs of labor, although most often the expectant mother still feels preparatory contractions.

A normal first labor lasts approximately 10-15 hours. Subsequent births usually proceed somewhat faster than the first, but this does not always happen. I am an example of this exception, as my second labor lasted 12 hours longer (20 hours) than my first (8 hours).

If a woman’s amniotic fluid has broken, she must go to the clinic immediately. Amniotic fluid protects the baby, and he should not be left without it for a long time. Therefore, if you feel lukewarm, clear water leaking out, call your doctor and get ready to go to the maternity hospital.

Usually, after your water breaks, contractions begin (or they suddenly intensify if you have been in labor before). If contractions have not started, most likely in the maternity hospital they will try to induce labor (with the cervix ready) so as not to leave the baby unprotected for a long time.

Labor usually begins with contractions. Typically, women often begin to feel pain in the lower abdomen and aches in the lower back about a couple of weeks before giving birth. But how then do you understand what it is: preparatory Braxton-Hicks contractions or the beginning of labor?! Such questions and concerns almost always arise among women who are faced, theoretically or practically, with the precursors of childbirth.

It is not at all difficult to distinguish preparatory contractions from the onset of labor! When your stomach begins to swell, be a little more attentive to yourself: is it the same pain as usual, perhaps the painful sensations have lingered a little, or does something else intuitively seem unusual to you?

If you feel that these painful sensations are regular (appear and disappear with little frequency), it makes sense to start timing, counting contractions and writing them down.

Let's say that at about 5 o'clock in the morning you decide that your stomach hurts a little in a special way or for quite a long time. Get a stopwatch (you have it in your phone) and start counting.

At 5 o'clock in the morning pain appeared, a contraction began, it lasted 50 seconds, then there was no pain for 30 minutes.

At 5:30 the stomach begins to pull again, the pain lasts 30 seconds, then nothing bothers you for 10 minutes, etc.

When you see that the pain regularly repeats, intensifies, the duration of contractions increases, and the interval between them decreases - congratulations, you have begun labor.

The content of the article:

There is one interesting opinion among the people that the child himself chooses the time of birth. But scientists say that this factor is directly influenced by the level of hormone activity, as well as how prepared the female body is for the upcoming birth. That is why doctors can determine the expected date of birth as accurately as possible. In some cases, it may be necessary to carry out certain calculations and also do an ultrasound. Due to these indicators, the due date may be adjusted.

But the predictions made by doctors are not always completely true. As a result, future parents become constantly nervous. But every woman who is expecting a child should closely monitor the state of her own body and notice even minor changes, monitor the “signals” that the body gives.

Preparing the female body for childbirth begins long before the first contractions. Before the birth of a child, women can have a very different emotional state - from complete relaxation to extreme overexcitement.

Psychological mood before childbirth

The female body is completely unique, because nature has taken care to prepare it naturally for the upcoming birth. But many expectant mothers in the last weeks of pregnancy are haunted by the question of when exactly this happy moment will happen. In order not to be nervous over trifles, women need to try to fully understand what signs appear before childbirth and do not forget to follow all the instructions and recommendations of their doctor.

As a rule, all pregnant women pay close attention to changes in their own body. In almost all cases, it is very difficult to miss the signs that indicate the imminent approach of labor.

It is extremely difficult to determine the date of birth with an accuracy of one day; this moment can occur at the 38th week of pregnancy, and in some cases at 40. This process is strictly individual and has many aspects, which are sometimes simply impossible to calculate as accurately as possible.

After the 36th week of pregnancy, the onset of labor can occur at almost any time, which is why you should always remain very careful and, if you feel the first feeling of discomfort or worsening of your condition, immediately seek help from a doctor.

How to understand that labor will begin soon?

1. As a rule, swelling disappears almost before childbirth, and with it a few extra pounds may also disappear. The fact is that at this moment excess fluid is removed from the body naturally.
2. In some cases, the onset of labor is indicated by a drooping belly. This occurs because the baby gradually moves towards the birth canal. If this is your first birth, your belly may drop around 37 weeks of pregnancy. And for those who are giving birth not for the first time, this process may occur a little later. At this time, the pressure on the diaphragm and stomach begins to decrease, and the fundus of the uterus gradually drops by several centimeters. Most pregnant women notice that it has become much easier to sit, heartburn and shortness of breath have ceased to bother them.
3. As a result of the increased pressure on the bladder, the urge to urinate becomes more frequent. There is a feeling of pressure and severe heaviness in the lower back and sacrum. This phenomenon is directly related to the change in the position of the child, as well as the expansion of the woman’s pelvic bones. The fetus can put pressure on the nerve endings, causing leg cramps.
4. Most pregnant women, including in the case of their first birth, may notice a decrease in the baby's activity - by the time of birth, the child has grown enough, so it becomes difficult for him to move in a small space.
5. Intestinal motility increases as the body begins to actively prepare for childbirth. Possible loose stools, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting.
6. As birth approaches, the “nesting effect” often appears, which was created by nature itself. Signs of childbirth may also include a change in the usual behavior of a pregnant woman - for example, there is a desire to stay alone or do some general cleaning in the house. Sudden bouts of activity are also unexpectedly replaced by peace, apathy and a sense of calm.
7. Braxton-Hicks contractions, which are also called preparatory “false” contractions. It is these contractions that effectively train the body and soften the cervix before the upcoming birth. In these cases, tension occurs and the woman experiences virtually no discomfort. This type of contraction is not regular, and they are also not capable of dilating the cervix.
8. Bloody mucous discharge in small quantities. This is a sure sign that the uterus is beginning to actively prepare for childbirth. This symptom may be a thinning or expansion of the uterus.
9. As a result of shortening of the cervix, the mucous plug is discharged (in whole or in parts), which served as a natural barrier between the fetal membrane and the vaginal microflora. A nagging painful sensation in the lower abdomen may indicate the impending separation of the mucous plug. Most women simply notice the appearance of heavy discharge - the drainage of the plug occurs gradually. If it goes away immediately, a mucous lump appears, which a woman can notice while visiting the toilet. From the moment the plug comes out until the onset of labor, quite a long time can pass - a couple of hours or several weeks.

If at least one of the above signs appears, you can be sure that the moment of childbirth will come very soon. Therefore, it is necessary to go to the hospital as quickly as possible.

Leakage of amniotic fluid

Quite often you can encounter a situation where there is a risk of rupture of the amniotic sac before labor begins. In this case, the woman will not experience any accompanying sensations that portend this phenomenon (for example, spasms, contractions).

In such a situation, it is necessary to go to the maternity hospital as quickly as possible. The fact is that the waterless period cannot last longer than 12 hours. During pregnancy, upon reaching the 37th week, the breaking of waters indicates that premature labor has occurred, so doctors may need to prepare the baby for independent breathing.

If there is constant, slow and periodic intermittent leakage of amniotic fluid, there is a risk of premature labor, the development of intrauterine infection, as well as other serious complications for both the health of the child and the pregnant woman.

If one of the above reasons occurs, you need to go to the hospital as soon as possible. If there is no onset of labor, the doctor will prescribe medical stimulation.

Contractions

In primiparous women, signs of the onset of labor may be minor contractions, the duration of which often reaches a day and at the same time they gradually intensify.

At first, the contractions will not be too strong in terms of pain or duration (about 10–15 seconds), and they occur periodically. In the pauses that appear between contractions, the uterus relaxes, which allows the pregnant woman to rest a little.

There is a gradual development of labor and contractions begin to become more frequent - both the pain and their duration increase. Now the rest period will be approximately 15-20 minutes, and at the time of birth 2-3 minutes.

Contractions also include pain that manifests itself in the lower abdomen, lumbar region, calves, thighs and rectum. Quite often these symptoms are accompanied by chills. After a 10-minute break is reached between contractions, the duration of which is at least 60 seconds, this is a sure harbinger of the onset of early labor.

Both primiparous and multiparous women exhibit exactly the same signs of labor. In this case, the main difference is the greater speed of births subsequent to the first.

Experts say that with repeated births, it is quite common for the waters to break prematurely before contractions begin. If none of the above signs of labor have appeared before the 40th week of pregnancy, you should be examined by a doctor to determine the condition of the baby.

What is the difference between true contractions and false ones before childbirth?

Unlike prenatal, when false contractions occur, a pregnant woman can fall asleep. Training contractions are irregular in nature and interval, but they will not increase in intensity and will not begin to lengthen. When they appear, the cervix does not dilate.

The appearance of false contractions at 39 weeks of pregnancy may be perceived as prenatal. But in some cases they can appear at 30 weeks.

How to determine when you need to go to the maternity hospital, watch this video:

Labor is a process that depends on the individual characteristics of the female body. Every responsible woman in labor should know and understand about the onset of the first harbingers of labor.

Women report the onset of labor using so-called “harbingers”. Their appearance is very easy to recognize, so it is important to remember the main symptoms. Of course, each of them can manifest itself differently, because everything depends only on the individual characteristics of the organism.

It has also been noted that the intensity of the “precursor” sensations can be felt less or more strongly, depending on the woman’s health, the number of births, the gender of the unborn child, and the preparation of the woman in labor.

Pregnancy

Important: Progesterone, the hormone that ruled the entire period of a woman’s pregnancy, declines at the end of the pregnancy, giving way to estrogen. The hormonal and nervous system signals the woman in every way about the onset of labor.

There are several main “harbingers” that all women in labor are guided by:

• lowering of the abdomen below the usual level
• expansion of the pelvic bones and muscle pain in the perineum, slowing down movement and making it painful
• limb cramps, severe swelling and numbness of the arms and legs
• training contractions
• frequent bowel movements
• drainage of the plug and amniotic fluid

Video: Harbingers of childbirth

At what date should labor begin?

Doctors noted that the normal prenatal period begins at 38 weeks, i.e. from the 38th week of conception, you can already expect the first harbingers. It is from this time that the intrauterine child can be considered fully developed and full-term. Childbirth can occur in any of the weeks: 38, 39, 40, 41 and 42.

due date calculation

Important: But don’t worry too much, as the body will definitely begin to report an imminent birth with all its might.

Gynecologists set the estimated date of birth at the fortieth week, as this is the most favorable time. If the pregnancy continues beyond 42 weeks, the baby is called “post-term” and this can have a detrimental effect on his health.

Video: How to determine the due date?

How long before birth do training contractions begin?

Nature intended that the child should not experience any difficulties and be fully provided with the necessary substances in the womb. This is how nature took care of the mother, giving her the opportunity to prepare the pelvic muscles for the upcoming birth. It is this “preparation” that is called “training contractions.”

exercises for pregnant women

Important: Contractions of varying intensity can accompany the entire pregnancy. As a result, by the time of delivery, the muscles become more elastic, and the cervix shortens significantly, giving the baby the opportunity to be born.

Doctors often call such contractions “Braston Hicks contractions.” They are characterized by significant muscle contraction over a period of one to two minutes. As a rule, such contractions can be expected starting from the twentieth week of pregnancy. Many women may not even realize that they were experiencing training contractions. This is because the belly at the twentieth week is quite small, which means the muscles are not too stretched.

classes in the pool

At later stages, a woman may feel:

• heaviness in the lower abdomen
• uterine tone
• hardening of the abdomen
• aching pain in the lower back

breathing exercises

Important: If the pain lasts no more than two minutes and disappears imperceptibly, and you feel well, there is no reason to worry!

The human pain threshold is varied and depends only on individual characteristics. So, women either feel them or don’t notice them at all. But if you still experience unpleasant sensations, try to get rid of them:

• take a walk in the fresh air, use other muscle groups
• lie down, place a pillow under your feet, try to relax and rest
• ask a loved one to give you a light lower back massage
• try some relaxing breathing exercises
• take a warm shower
• Brew herbal or green tea

rest and relaxation

Important: The closer the due date, the stronger and more unpleasant the sensations moving down the abdomen may be.

Be careful and accurately recognize labor contractions among the training contractions. If the pain does not go away after two, maximum three minutes, and comes after a while with greater intensity, you should consult a doctor!

Video: Training contractions

How labor begins in first-time mothers, sensations

The expectation of every woman's first child is associated with great excitement and upcoming unrest. The unknown of upcoming sensations both frightens and inspires a woman. As a rule, by the end of the term, women in labor are already tired of their weight, serious condition, are reluctant to move and complain of many unpleasant sensations.

primiparous woman

Important: We can say with confidence that every first-time woman is not ready for the pain that she will feel. but all future sensations can still be experienced if you prepare yourself and set yourself up correctly.

Excessive nervousness, fear, fear of the future and unpreparedness knock a woman out of a calm and balanced state, leaving her thoughts and body in tension. Nowadays, there are many ways and modern techniques aimed at reducing discomfort:

• breathing exercises
• special poses and exercises
• massages and relaxation methods

Every first-time mother must know that childbirth is preceded by several basic actions:

1. The removal of the mucus plug, which blocked the cervix from infection. It looks different, but generally it is no larger than a coin and has a jelly-like structure of a yellowish tint with blood spots.
2. Irregular training contractions that differ in duration and intensity. They can catch a woman at any time of the day: day or night. If you feel a constant return of pain with periodic breaks, do not bother to find a piece of paper and write down each interval: pain (duration) - rest (duration). If the “rest” becomes five minutes and regular, go to the maternity hospital
3. The drooping of the abdomen can be either noticeable or completely incomprehensible. The stomach does not fall sharply and it is impossible to feel it. The symptom has its name because the uterus tenses, hardens, becomes heavier and due to this the fetus pulls the stomach down
4. A decrease in fetal activity often indicates that the baby is getting ready to be born.
5. Bowel cleansing is a clear sign of prenatal activity. The body begins to prepare and makes the task easier for itself, displacing excess masses from the intestines. It often happens that women suffer from constipation, and in recent days they rarely experience loose stools.

preparation for the first birth

Important: If you feel prenatal symptoms, do not try to ignore them. When going to the maternity hospital, try to have a snack, even if you don’t feel like it - soon you won’t have time to eat at all, and your energy will come in handy! Do not lift heavy or carry bags with things on your own!

Video: First birth. Preparation

How does labor begin in multiparous women? Why does second labor start earlier?

Multiparous mothers are distinguished by self-confidence and sufficient knowledge, experience and skills. Such women are distinguished by self-confidence and significant restraint. Multiparous women are sensitive to even the smallest sensations. At the right time, they know for sure that it is time to head to the maternity hospital and do not panic.

multiparous woman

The difference between second births may be the untimely birth of a child ahead of schedule. Labor in multiparous women can begin at 34 weeks. All this happens because the muscles and cervix are stretched and easily tolerate the process they are familiar with. The female body tolerates hormonal surges more easily.

Symptoms of precursors of labor in those who give birth for the second time are very similar to the symptoms of first-time mothers. The only thing is that they can be stronger or brighter only because a woman knows them and consciously feels them:

• excessive emotionality, nervousness and sudden mood swings
• not significant weight loss, no more than three kilograms
• drooping of the abdomen a week or several days before the upcoming birth
• reduction in swelling of the arms and legs
• pain due to expansion of the pelvic bones
• cleansing the body: frequent urination, loose stools, vomiting

preparation for childbirth

Important: Each symptom occurs with varying intensity in each woman. It all depends on sensitivity, emotional state and health status.

Video: Second birth. What are the differences from the first?

How does premature labor begin?

Premature birth is always a struggle for survival. The reasons for such births can be different:

• endocrine diseases
• infectious diseases
• genital infections
• somatic infections
• pathologies and malformations, anomalies
• genetic diseases
• various complications of pregnancy
• back and abdominal injuries
• early age of a woman in labor (up to 18 years)
• disastrous living conditions
• not nutritious food
• bad habits: smoking, drinking alcohol
• physical work
• carrying heavy objects
• stress

premature baby

Each cause corresponds to a different period of premature birth. Childbirth from 22 weeks to 27 most often ends in fetal death. This is because having a weight of 500 grams or more, a child is simply not able to survive. If the child survives, he has a huge chance of remaining disabled for the rest of his life.

Childbirth from 28 to 33 weeks allows the baby to survive with proper care and support. The child's weight ranges from 1 kilogram to 1800 grams. At this age, the baby has sufficiently developed lungs and medications can fully support him. Childbirth from 34 weeks is almost not dangerous. Such a child born in a maternity hospital will remain completely healthy and provided with the necessary care.

premature birth

Premature labor most often begins with unexplained pain in the abdomen and lower back. A woman cannot tolerate such sensations and they have the nature of contractions. It is not uncommon for women in labor to notice the release of a mucus plug in the early stages of pregnancy, which also indicates that the birth will be premature. Once labor has begun, there is no way to stop it. Therefore, you need to urgently contact the maternity hospital for help.

Video: Symptoms and causes of premature birth

My stomach has dropped: when will labor begin?

A huge belly towards the end of pregnancy gives a woman a lot of inconvenience:

• back and lower back pain
• labored breathing
• slow movement
• heartburn
• pinched nerves of the upper extremities due to heavy weight and stress on the spine
• frequent urge to go to the toilet
• constipation

drooping belly

Usually the stomach “drops” slowly; it begins to do this a few weeks before the birth itself. And if this is not noticeable visually, then you can recognize it by sensations:

• heartburn disappears or becomes less noticeable
• it becomes easier to breathe
• belching has disappeared
• increased appetite decreases

Important: Abdominal prolapse is caused by the placement of the baby with the “presenting” head. The uterus descends and prepares for childbirth.

drooping belly in the last month of pregnancy

If you notice a drooping belly, try to change your lifestyle:

• do not carry bags or packages
• rest more and stay horizontal
• ask your loved ones to give you massages
• relax your muscles and do not do any exercise

Important: Observe your sensations; a drooping stomach is not yet a sign of urgent hospitalization. Expect regular contractions.

Video: Pregnancy. Abdominal prolapse

What to do if contractions start at home?

Most often, contractions do not occur in the maternity hospital on a cozy bed, but in completely unforeseen situations, even in a dream. If you feel contractions coming (you will know them anyway), try not to panic and find the most comfortable position for yourself. Place pillows under your head and back and try to time your contractions using a timer.

mild contractions

An acceptable period is 5 minutes of rest and 2 minutes of contractions. With such a symptom, you should take the bag prepared in advance to the maternity hospital and go to the maternity hospital with your husband or mother. If you live far from the hospital, call a taxi or an ambulance.

strong contractions

Important: Some people find the doggy position helpful, when a woman rests her elbows and knees on the bed or floor. You can simply bend over, resting your hands on the table and wait for the favorable time for hospitalization.

Video: What to do if contractions start?

Why doesn't labor begin?

The “pregnant” state very often bothers women and sometimes simply drives them crazy, so many women are tormented by the question: “When will labor come and why doesn’t it start?” Labor is a natural process and its speed depends only on the needs of the child and your health.

waiting for the birth

No non-traditional or medical intervention is required. To help a woman speed up the natural process towards a favorable timely birth, if it does not occur on time, the following will help:

• nipple massage
• late term sex
• not intensive charging
• climbing stairs
• eat ginger
• acupressure
• enema

Video: How to speed up childbirth without harm to health?

It is impossible to determine the time of your birth with utmost precision; you can only sense the approaching event in advance and fully prepare for the event. It has been noted that the date of birth can significantly depend on who you are expecting: a boy or a girl. Indeed, in most cases, girls are born earlier than the due date, and boys are born later. In any situation, be attentive to your feelings and never stop taking care of your health.

Video: 10 main warning signs of childbirth

During the gestation period, every woman prepares for an important event in her life - the birth of a baby. Although childbirth is a very long process, it takes a lot of time and effort to prepare for it. This is a difficult and important stage for every woman, after which life changes completely. Childbirth is a complex and natural process, so you definitely need to prepare for it. I refer to the last month of gestation as the prenatal or prenatal period. At this time, the female body is already adjusting to childbirth, and the baby is already fully developed and almost ready to be born. Already 3-4 weeks before giving birth, the woman in labor begins to change in many ways: both psychologically and physically.

Life before childbirth

For excellent physical condition, the expectant mother, so that her muscles are in shape, during pregnancy, does simple exercises that are included in special gymnastic complexes for pregnant women. Exercises in the pool are very useful.

Of course, we hope that if you smoked before conception, then, upon learning about the situation, you immediately quit the bad habit. If not, try to find the strength within yourself to quit smoking. This is necessary for both you and the child. After all, many people know that smoking and alcohol have a bad effect on the baby’s health.

Read good books, do special gymnastics, walk, relax in the fresh air - this will ensure you an ideal pregnancy and an easy birth.

You can see for yourself what happens to some mothers with their tummy before childbirth:

Health before childbirth

Many people know that a woman must carefully monitor her own health during pregnancy. Before labor, check your health again. It is useful to go to a neurologist, ENT specialist, ophthalmologist, or therapist. Also go to the dentist, because teeth can be the first source of infection and cause some complications after childbirth. If you have varicose veins in your legs, go see a surgeon. The specialist will determine whether surgery is required. After 8 months of gestation, experts advise undergoing a thorough sanitation of the birth canal. They do this to cleanse them from pathogenic microflora. This is relevant if a woman in labor has diseases that are transmitted through sexual activity (candidiasis, mycoplasmosis, ureaplasmosis, chlamydia, herpes). Such procedures are tedious in order to protect the child during his passage through the birth canal. In addition, sanitation protects a woman from vaginal cracks that can occur due to inflammation.

Regarding the gynecologist, after the 35th week of pregnancy, the woman in labor must visit him once every 7 days. At the appointment, the specialist determines the baby’s position, listens to the heartbeat, and measures the size of the uterus.

Food before childbirth

If a woman monitors the quality and quantity of what she eats during pregnancy, then before giving birth this issue needs to be given even more attention.

After the 8th month of pregnancy, food changes not in favor of meat: it needs to be reduced, and not consumed at all for half a month. You also need to exclude foods containing protein (milk, butter, eggs, fish). At the same time, you need to drink herbal teas, mineral water, fresh juices, baked vegetables, water-based cereals, and fermented milk products.

Seven days before the expected birth, you need to exclude salt, fermented milk products, bread, and cereals. Food should be only plant-based. It is important that during this period a lot of vegetable oil enters the female body. , which is present in it, helps make the birth canal and blood vessels elastic. Also, this is an ideal prevention of hemorrhoids.

The ideal weight gain during pregnancy is a minimum of 9 and a maximum of 13 kg. These kilograms include the weight of the uterus, baby, breasts, placenta, and amniotic fluid. Of course, everything is individual, and an increase of 13 kg is not a significant problem. However, you should be wary if your weight increases by 20 kilograms or more. Then, the specialist prescribes a special diet for the woman in labor. After all, an increase can complicate childbirth.

An interesting point: before giving birth, in the last 14 days, the woman in labor experiences weight loss. Doctors explain this phenomenon by the loss of a large amount of fluid.

Sleep before labor

The closer to childbirth, the more a woman tends to sleep. After all, the female body tries to sleep off and gain the necessary strength before physical work. For the same reasons, sleep during preparation for childbirth is of great importance. You need to sleep at least 9 hours in a well-ventilated area. You can even sleep with the window open. It is important that the woman in labor feels that she has had enough sleep and rest.

Fear of childbirth

A pregnant woman has rhinestones for all nine months. However, the longer they are, the stronger the fear. A woman in labor, especially a first-time mother, asks many questions: how to avoid complications? Will the baby get hurt? Will it hurt? These and many others do not allow a woman to rest or sleep peacefully. The situation is greatly complicated by the stories of “well-wishers” about problems, labor pains, fatal births, and difficult experiences. Believe me, such information should not interest you at the moment. If you have not attended special courses for pregnant women, then do it right now. Some schools provide crash courses before childbirth. At such courses, a lot is explained to the mother in labor: ways to relieve pain, the mechanism of childbirth, and they teach techniques. All this information is very helpful during childbirth. If it is not possible to attend courses, there is special literature or the Internet.

You need to understand: that fear has a bad effect on the course of childbirth itself. Therefore, severe pain, ruptures, and cracks may occur. It turns out that the more the woman in labor is afraid, the stronger the pain will be. Many people know that pain creates fear. To prevent this from happening, a woman needs to learn to relax even before giving birth, and when the time comes, calmly apply her knowledge.

Harbingers of childbirth

Before childbirth, some signs appear that indicate that labor is approaching (). Such as: it becomes easier for the woman in labor to breathe, the fetus drops down in the abdomen, and it is difficult to walk or sit. Before childbirth, defecation and urination become more frequent. There is pain in the lower abdomen. The woman in labor experiences a sharp change in state and mood: She is either passive and tired, or “subversive” and energetic. Some people can't wait for this moment. Half a month before giving birth, women exhibit the maternal instinct of “nesting.” She is ready to tinker, clean, wash, clean for a long time. All this, of course, is good. However, everything should be in moderation. Do not forget that in this position you are not allowed to overexert yourself.

The most obvious sign of labor is irregular uterine contractions. 14 days before giving birth, a special mucous plug comes off from the woman in labor, which covers the cervix during pregnancy. The mucus may be pink or yellow. At times, the woman in labor clearly sees that the plug has come off. But this may go unnoticed. A woman in labor needs to understand that her water may break at any moment. This is the main sign that the birth process has begun. In such a situation, you cannot waste even a second. Go to the hospital or call an ambulance immediately.