4 Early Signs Of Labor
– [Narrator] Going into labor is a different experience for everybody. However, there are some physical symptoms that happen to everyone as labor approaches. Here are four ways you can tell that labor is near. Number one, cramps. Labor is determined by the frequency and
intensity of contractions. Contractions start off mild, meaning they're noticeable, but not too painful. They often feel like the kind of cramps usually associated with
starting your period. These cramps aren't constant. They might come and go over hours, or even a couple of days. Number two, pressure in your lower body. As labor approaches, you'll typically start feeling pressure in your lower body.
That's often due to your baby dropping lower into your pelvis. A process also known as lightening. This movement is a sign that the baby is getting into position to be born. Some people feel lightening as pressure in their pelvis or vagina, others experience low back pain. Number three, loss of the mucus plug. During pregnancy, mucus accumulates in the opening of your cervix.
This is called a mucus plug and it helps to protect your growing baby from unhealthy bacteria outside of the uterus. As labor gets closer, your cervix opens in preparation, creating enough space for the mucus plug to fall out. This can happen all at once or gradually, and you might not even notice it. Number four, changes to
your vaginal discharge. Your vaginal discharge may start to look different closer to labor. It might become more watery or it might feel stickier and thicker. In the early stages of labor, your vaginal discharge can also look a little pink. You might also see changes when you start to lose your mucus plug. Signs that labor is imminent look different for everybody. For example, you might not experience your baby dropping until labor actually begins, or you might lose your mucus plug and not go into labor right away. If you aren't sure what you are feeling is normal, call your doctor.
They are ready to help you every step of the way..
