Signs of labour and baby delivery
After the third trimester has begun, you start becoming concerned about labour and delivery. Well, there is nothing to be worried about because the entire process happens systematically. Once you know the entire process, you can easily identify labour signs and the moment your baby is ready to come out. This blog will introduce you to the significant signs and symptoms of labour and delivery that you need to be aware of.
Strong contractions happen frequently.
One of the significant signs of early labour and baby delivery is constant contractions spreading across your lower body. Unlike the false contractions, these are strong, and anyone can crumble due to the pain. They usually start right below the naval and extend both horizontally and vertically. As you progress towards your delivery, you will also start feeling the cramps in your back.
Thicker vaginal discharge
During your entire pregnancy, the cervical opening and the vagina are closed with a thick glob of mucus. Before the labour starts, this mucus will be released and passed outside as a vaginal discharge. Keep an eye for this discharge since it signifies labour.
Pain in your lower back and abdomen
Towards the middle of the ninth month, you will start feeling pain in your lower back and abdomen. It happens because the hormonal levels alter to prepare your body for gestation. Also, the fetus slowly moves downwards, with the head pointing towards the cervix. Since it has a narrow opening, your baby needs to push against the walls, which will trigger the pain.
Breaking of the water
One of the most common delivery signs is breaking the amniotic sac. Your baby's head puts pressure against the sac wall and breaks. The amniotic fluid rushes through the vaginal tube and down your legs. As you feel water breaking, prepare yourself for the delivery. Labor pain or contractions don't start from water breaking only. Instead, you will feel small contractions, almost like electrical impulses. These will increase in intensity as your baby moves further down, and your body prepares the uterine and cervical walls to contract and enlarge the vaginal tract.
Dilation of cervix
The cervix is a peer-shaped body located right below the uterus. Once the water breaks, the baby slides down with the head putting pressure against the cervical membrane. Since the passage is very narrow, the hormones start triggering contractions in the cervical walls. As the walls contract, the cervical tract dilates, making enough space for the baby to come out. Due to strong contraction force, you will feel immense pain in your lower abdomen and back. Even if you opt for pain-medicated injections, you won't be allowed to take those drugs till the cervix is dilated appropriately.
Muscle cramps
Muscle cramps are the earliest signs of labour in a pregnant woman. Towards the end of the 7th month, you start getting the force contractions. Other names for them are Braxton Hicks Contractions. Although there is nothing to be worried about, you can consult with your doctor to get more knowledge about these contractions. Sometimes, the muscle cramps can extend down your calves and thighs.
Excessive fatigue and tiredness
As your body prepares for the delivery and most energy produced during metabolism is directed towards muscle contractions, you will often feel fatigued during the 9th month. Several factors will add pure tiredness, from wobbling on your feet to frequent urination. So, try to get maximum sleep during this last month and include more calories in your diet for energy production.
Conclusion
As your pregnancy progresses, you start feeling jittery about labour and delivery. Although it is quite natural, you will feel more at ease after knowing what changes you might go through during the labour phase. For this reason, we have illustrated some of the major signs and symptoms of labour and delivery during the 9th month.you can also choose medipulse hospital in this beautiful journey and take help from our expert doctors and Gynecology & Obstetrics department they will suggest what is best for you.