Very often, expectant mothers are afraid to miss the beginning of labor, having heard enough stories about false contractions. The main thing is not to worry. A few simple signs will let you know the time has come. True contractions cannot be confused with anything, in addition, there are many other symptoms.
Instructions
Step 1
In the second or third week before the onset of labor, the first signs of an approaching contractions appear. At this time, the baby's head begins to sink down, closer to the entrance to the pelvis. This can be seen from the side, the doctor can also say that the stomach has dropped. During this time, you may find it easier to breathe as the baby stops pressing on the chest. The lowering of the abdomen may not be noticed, but you may notice that the clothes began to fit differently. It is at this time, that is, in the last weeks, that false contractions can be felt. The uterus becomes sensitive, painful contractions are observed more often, but the intervals between them are uncertain. They often feel like a pulling on the abdomen. Over time, these harbingers fade, in contrast to the true ones, which only increase their intensity and soreness. False contractions occur at night and are felt in the lower abdomen and on the back. If you are worried that labor has begun, it is better to go to the hospital to calm yourself.
Step 2
Two to three days before the onset of labor, you may feel the discharge of a "mucous plug" - a blood clot. This mucus, which has accumulated in the cervical canal since the beginning of pregnancy, leaves the cervix, expanding it. This is the turning point, after which the main sign of the onset of labor appears - contractions.
Step 3
In some cases, the membranes of the membranes that lined the uterus rupture. In this case, the amniotic fluid is poured into the vagina. This can happen during childbirth, but if the water has departed at home, you need to contact the hospital.
Step 4
If you have already mistaken false contractions for the onset of labor, then with true ones you will feel the difference. The muscles of the uterus begin to contract intensively to push out the baby and the placenta. The first regular contractions last half a minute, at intervals of 15-20 minutes. At this time, the uterus tenses, pain is felt in the front of the abdomen and in the back. Then the contractions last longer, up to 90 seconds, the interval decreases. When the breaks reach ten minutes, you need to contact the hospital. During labor, nausea or upset stomach may occur. They are not always painful, there may be just strong pulling sensations. Sometimes during contractions, you may feel cramps in the lower back, similar to the sensation during menstruation.
Step 5
If true contractions began early, contact the hospital or antenatal clinic, as this may be premature birth. Just in case, pack your bag to the hospital in advance, take a nightgown, sanitary pads, soap, toothpaste and a brush, and postpartum panties.
