Signs to Labour

The experience and signs of childbirth can be different for every woman, even a woman who gives birth more than once, the experience of giving birth can also be different for each child.

Although there is no sure way to find out how a mother's labor takes place or how long it takes, a woman does not need to be afraid or worry about it, as Live Science proclaimed.

The body will usually give instructions when someone will give birth. Here are some signs of childbirth that need to be known by a mother or expectant mother:

1. Regular contractions

A woman's womb will usually automatically prepare when it's time to give birth. At the end of pregnancy, the uterus will usually feel more contraction, because the baby will move to a lower position in the birth canal. These contractions will help push the baby into the world.

Contractions ahead of regular childbirth will be more regular, rhythmic, and intense. Within an hour or two, contractions can last for five minutes starting from the back and then turning forward. The stomach also feels hard like a basketball.

The difference between fake labor contractions with real ones is that fake contractions usually occur at irregular intervals of time and the distance is long enough, while real contractions will occur continuously on all abdominal surfaces even if a woman changes position, such as moving or lying down.

According to The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, fake labor contractions are also called Braxton Hicks contractions and are usually only felt in the lower abdomen.

2. The baby feels under the pelvis

A few hours to several weeks before labor begins in the first pregnancy, a mother will feel as if her baby is falling into a lower position on her pelvis.

This sign means the baby has entered the position of the head in preparation for birth (in women who have given birth, probably already understand this).

When the baby is in a low position, this eases the pressure of the female diaphragm making it easier to breathe.

But this will also put more pressure on the pelvis and bladder, so the urge to urinate is also more frequent. In addition, a woman's stomach will appear lower and more prominent.

3. Rupture of amniotic fluid

A fetus that grows and develops in a woman's uterus surrounded by amniotic fluid. When this protective fluid bag breaks, this is an important sign that someone is about to give birth.

If this happens, contact your obstetrician and if possible immediately to the nearest midwife or hospital to determine when the baby will be born.

After the amniotic fluid ruptures, the baby is automatically no longer surrounded by protective fluid and can be at risk of infection. This is what causes the doctor or midwife to determine the baby will be born in the next day or two.

4. Back pain and cramps

When giving birth, a woman will usually feel an increase in pressure or cramps in the pelvic, rectal and lower back areas. Even the pain can cause cramps long enough in the back and stomach.

5. Bloody phlegm comes out

When labor begins, or a few days before delivery, a woman will experience increased vaginal discharge or pink, brown and slightly bleeding mucus

This is caused by the release of mucous plugs that block the cervix (opening to the uterus) during pregnancy. The mucosal plug will relax when the cervix begins to widen or open during the early stages of labor.

6. Diarrhea or nausea

Some women will usually feel more frequent bowel movements at the beginning of labor, besides that the stomach also feels like diarrhea or starts to vomit for unclear reasons.