Reaching the third trimester in a pregnancy is a very exciting time, even if it’s not your first baby, everything can become a little intimidating. Anticipation over labour and delivery are common worries with most new mothers. Information is your best defense in this situation. Understanding the process of birthing a baby can help tremendously in easing fears, especially if you are using natural ways to induce labor. The new mother will be better off, relaxing and enjoying this special memorable time, rather than wasting time and energy on fear. Understanding the process and being educated about the pregnancy and birth will help build confidence when the labour signs begin. Every birth is different, so there is no way to compare one with another and expect the same things to happen, even when they are siblings.
Many people have misunderstandings about labour and have the idea that the mother will double over when the pains begin. Television and movies have dramatized this issue and it is just not the normal way that things go in the birthing process. In reality, labour is much more complex that what is acted out onscreen. Some women do experience strong contractions during the onset of labour, but the majority of new mothers tend to start at a slower pace. Most will have the time to wait for the arrival of their midwife or to get to the hospital at normal speeds. There are always exceptions to this rule and no one can say just how the labour will progress.
Labour Signs Which Can Occur During the Beginning Stages
During the last few weeks of pregnancy, the infant will move down lower into the pelvis. The mother will feel the pressure as the baby has moved downward. This will cause the mother to need to urinate more often. Most mothers will start to dilate before the hard labor contractions begin. The mucus plug will discharge at some point in the early stages, so that there will be some brown, pink or red bloody discharge associated with this event. This can even happen as early as two weeks before labour actually begins, but usually, the labour starts in only a few days after the mucus plug passes.
Early Labour Signs
In the early stage of labour, the uterus contracts. The cervix becomes pliable and soft preparing for the birth. The mother can become nauseous or lightheaded as the labour progresses. A warm bath or taking a relaxing walk can alleviate discomfort and anxiety.
Usually, early signs of labor include contractions increase slowly along with the intensity. When they are four or less minutes apart, or lasting one minute or more, or if the water breaks, this is the time to head for the hospital if that is the plan.
How Contractions Feel
Contractions normally feel like a tightening or pressure in the abdominal area. Some women also experience low back pains, menstrual cramping. Some people decide on an epidural or drugs for pain. One should be sure to discuss these matters with their midwife or doctor well in advance. When the contractions are coming faster and closer together, the pain intensifies. It is helpful to use relaxation and deep breathing techniques at this point. The delivery of the baby will help to put all the pain of labour in the past.