Birth Signs: What to Expect
Every woman's birth is unique. But knowing the typical symptoms and signs of childbirth helps you understand this process.
Onset of labor pains and Thinning of the Cervix: One of the first signs that the birth is approaching is the softening and thinning of the cervix. You may not feel it, but your doctor will check your cervical changes during your vaginal exams. The softening and thinning of the cervix is expressed in percentages. When there is 50% softening and thinning, your cervix is 50% of its original thickness. This ratio should be 100% before normal delivery.
Opening of the Cervix: One of the birth symptoms is the opening of the cervix. Your doctor evaluates this opening between 0 - 10 cm. Initially, these cervical changes are very slow. In fact, in some women, this opening may be 2 - 3 cm for days or even weeks before labor actually begins. This process is not a good indicator to understand that labor has begun, but it is a good sign that you are preparing for birth. Once labor begins actively, the opening will increase.
Loss of Mucus Plug: During pregnancy, a thick mucus plugs the cervical opening to prevent bacteria from entering the uterus. When the cervix begins to thin and open, this tissue empties. You may notice a stringy, fibrous appearance or a thick discharge. This discharge is usually brown and sometimes has a bloody appearance.
Loss of the mucus plug is one of the birth symptoms but is not a guarantee. There may still be days before birth.
Cracking of the Membrane and the Coming of Water (Amnion Fluid): The amniotic sac is a fluid-filled membrane that surrounds the baby in the uterus. Sometimes this membrane leaks or ruptures before labor begins. In such a case, you will have a trickle of liquid or a more specific discharge. If your water comes in at home or you are unsure whether the incoming fluid is amniotic fluid, urine or something else, consult your doctor immediately. Your doctor will inform you about the next steps after evaluating the situation.
If the amniotic sac has ruptured, timing becomes extremely important. The more time has passed since the membrane has ruptured, the greater the risk of developing an infection. If labor does not start on its own, your doctor may initiate labor.
In the meantime, do not do anything that will cause bacteria to enter the vagina. It is not a good idea to have sex if you suspect that amniotic fluid has come out.
Contractions: You may have occasional, painless contractions (the feeling that your uterus is stretching and relaxing) during the last few months of pregnancy. These are your body's way of preparing itself for childbirth.
As the moment of birth approaches, these contractions may become stronger and more painful. Ask yourself these questions about contractions:
- Are the contractions regular?
Measure how long it takes from the start of one contraction to the start of another. If the contractions are closer and stronger, you are close to giving birth. If the birth is not close, the contractions will be irregular.
- How long do the contractions last?
True contractions initially last more than 30 seconds, and gradually increase in duration, reaching up to 90 seconds. If the birth is not close, the length of the contractions changes.
- Can you stop the contractions?
True contractions do not go away, regardless of position or activity. In fact, contractions increase with increasing activity such as walking. If you have false contractions, that is, before delivery, you can stop the contraction by changing your activity or position.
Prepare for False Alarms: The relationship between your body's preparation for birth and birth itself is often not clear. Some women may experience painful contractions even though there are no cervical changes. In some, very little pressure or backache is felt even though the cervix is wide open.
Do not hesitate to call your doctor if you have the feeling that your delivery is approaching. Especially preterm birth can approach insidiously. If you have labor symptoms before 36 weeks and are accompanied by vaginal spotting; Go to your doctor for a checkup.
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