As every woman's labor and delivery experience is unique, no one knows exactly how it will be.
You can gain an understanding of the typical signs of labor that will help you to know and be a little more prepared for the big event.
Some of the signs of labor include: Lightening or adjusting the pressure Effacement or ripening of the cervix Dilation or opening of the cervix Bloody show or loss of mucus plug Nesting or spurt of energy Rupture of membranes or breaking of water Contractions or when labor begins As your due date approaches you may become anxious and want to know about what to expect as signs of labor.
I know this was on my mind a lot.
I often wondered how I will know when to go to the hospital.
In my case, I got there well in advance.
I arrived at the hospital around 11:00 p.
m.
and my daughter appeared the next day around 2:00 p.
m.
Every woman is different and unique, as can be each pregnancy of the same woman.
Labor and birth of the baby is the effect of dilatation of the cervix, and contractions of the uterus and abdominal muscles.
Dilation is the first stage of labor.
In the second stage, strong expulsive efforts cause the advance and birth of the baby.
During your pregnancy, changes happen in your body to prepare for these events.
The ligaments of your pelvis loosen to permit your pelvis to relax and allow your baby to come out.
Other changes occur to adapt your body to accommodate childbirth.
Despite these changes and modern medicine, it is unrealistic to aim for a childbirth without any discomforts.
The first labor pains are grinding, scattered and irregular.
Many women describe it as bad menstrual pains.
The first labor pains are usually felt in the front site of the pelvis and groin.
Pain is mainly caused by pressure on the abdominal and pelvic area due to powerful uterine contractions and stretching of the cervix, vagina and perineum.
During labor, contractions increase in frequency and intensity and can become painful.