It’s the day you’ve been anticipating for months: Your baby’s birthday! Expecting moms usually have plenty of questions for their OB-GYN: How long will I be in labor? Will it be easy or difficult? How will I know when it’s actually time?
There’s no way to predict the exact moment labor will begin, since the signs and symptoms of normal labor can start up to 3 weeks before your anticipated due date (and up to 2 weeks after). Yet, there are some telltale signs that baby is ready to make his or her big debut into the world. Read on to learn more.
One of the most common signs that you may soon go into labor is your baby dropping down into your pelvis. What it is: Called “lightening� by medical professionals, your baby dropping signals that he/she is getting into position to exit. When it happens: It can happen as early as 2 to 4 weeks before your labor begins. Or, it may not happen until right before you go into labor (especially in women who have given birth before). Some women don’t notice their baby dropping at all. How it feels: You might have the urge to take more frequent bathroom breaks. This is normal, as your baby is likely pressing on your bladder. On the plus side, you may find breathing easier, as your baby moves deeper into your pelvis and away from your lungs and diaphragm.
Another common sign that your body is getting ready for labor is dilation of the cervix (the narrow passage between your vagina and uterus).
What it is: Your cervix starts to widen (dilate) and also thin out (efface) to prepare for birth. When it happens: Cervical dilation and thinning usually start several days or even weeks before you deliver. Your obstetrician will measure and track your cervical dilation and thinning during your weekly check-ups in the last phase of your pregnancy. How it feels: You probably won’t be able to feel your cervix widening or thinning as it’s happening. But, if you were to physically feel your cervix with your fingers (not recommended), when dilated it would feel like putting your finger between two soft lips.
Back pain and cramps are common in the days and weeks before you go into labor. Why it happens: Your muscles and joints stretch and shift to allow your baby to pass through the birth canal. How it feels: You might notice low back pain that comes and goes as you get closer to your due date. You also might notice contractions along with the back pain, or on their own. The joints in your pelvis may also start to feel looser, especially as you get closer to your due date. This may cause minor pain or discomfort, especially when you’re doing weight-bearing activities, such as climbing stairs or getting in and out of a car.
Contractions can be a confusing symptom. Sometimes they’re a sign of active labor. Sometimes they’re “practice” contractions (called Braxton Hicks contractions)–your body’s way of helping you prepare for labor. Here are signs of real (active) labor: • The contractions get stronger rather than weaker and less frequent.
• The contractions don’t ease up when you change positions. • The contractions get more painful and frequent; you may start to notice a regular pattern. Active labor contractions can feel like strong menstrual cramps, or even abdominal pressure or upset stomach.
Many women have diarrhea or frequent stools in the early stages of labor. Why it happens: Your body releases hormone-like substances called prostaglandins, which help soften and dilate your cervix and cause your uterus to contract. Prostaglandins also cause the muscles in your rectum to relax, which can lead to diarrhea. How it feels: You may feel pelvic pain and pressure or an urge to have a bowel movement in the days before labor. You might also have diarrhea or have to go more often. While this symptom can be annoying, it’s normal and is usually nothing to worry about. Just remember to stay hydrated, and alert your doctor if you notice any worrisome signs, like blood in your stool.
Some women feel especially tired in the days and hours leading up to labor. Others experience a sudden burst of energy and may have the urge to clean, organize, and prepare for baby’s arrival. Whatever you experience, the most important thing is that you listen to your body. Take naps and rest often if you feel sluggish. Or, if you feel energized, satisfy any urge to get organized and prepare for your bundle of joy (just be mindful about overexerting yourself).
It’s a common misconception that a woman’s water always breaks just before she goes into labor. When it happens: In fact, rupture of the amniotic membranes (“water breaking”) is one of the final signs of labor, and it happens only in around 1 of every 6 births, at most.1 How it feels: Despite how it’s so often portrayed in movies and TV, most women don’t experience a dramatic gush of water when their water breaks. More often it’s like a drip or trickle (which can easily be mistaken for urine).
Curious about how close you are to going into labor? Take this signs of labor quiz.
The Obstetrics & Gynecology team at Crystal Run Healthcare offers a full range of gynecological and obstetrics services, from well-woman visits to prenatal classes for expectant parents. Our expert providers are leaders in women’s health, delivering quality care to women of all ages and stages of life. We look forward to becoming your trusted healthcare provider.
Crystal Run Healthcare is committed to delivering quality care to patients in the New York area. Our facilities offer first-class preventative medicine, diagnostics, and treatment to patients of all ages. Our methods are evidence-based. Our treatment is patient-centered. Our doctors are here to help. Visit www.crystalrunhealthcare.com for more information.
Crystal Run Healthcare offers obstetrics and gynecology services at the following locations: MIDDLETOWN 95 Crystal Run Road Middletown, New York 10941 P: 845.703.6999
NEWBURGH 1200 Route 300 Newburgh, New York 12550 P: 845.725.0100 UC: 845.725.0111
ROCK HILL 61 Emerald Place Rock Hill, New York 12775 P: 845.794.6999 UC: 845.796.5444
MONROE 855 Route 17M Monroe, NY 10950 P: 845.615.6999 UC: 845.783.6333
WARWICK 81 Ronald Reagan Boulevard Warwick, New York 10990 P: 845.615.6999
MILTON 1687 Route 9W Milton, New York 12547 P: 845.795.5333
GOSHEN 7 Hatfield Lane Goshen, New York 10924 P: 845.615.6999
LIBERTY 1987 State Route 52 STE Liberty, New York 12754 P: 845.292.5510
WEST NYACK 2 Centerock Road West Nyack, New York 10994 P: 845.348.1100 UC: 845.348.1100
SUFFERN 156 Route 59 Suite B4 Suffern, New York 10901 P: 845.357.6464
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https://www.todaysparent.com/pregnancy/when-your-water-breaks-pregnancy/