It’s almost time for labor to begin! The excitement is at its peak. But how do we know when labor has started?
The last weeks of pregnancy are the most uncomfortable time. You can’t wait to meet your baby, you can’t wait for labor to start, you worry about what labor will be like and what to expect after the birth. So, what are the signs of labor onset?
Pay attention to these in the run-up to the birth!
There are signs that indicate that labor is about to start. These give you a warning. However, we do not recommend stressing about the birth. Instead, focus on the following topics:
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Don’t Get Stuck in History!
You should know that only 3% of babies are born on their actual due date. First babies are notorious for being born late. So try not to focus too much on the due date in the last weeks of pregnancy and familiarize yourself with the signs known as the onset of labor.
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Prenatal contractions are normal…
In the last weeks of pregnancy, from around week 36 onwards, your body begins to prepare for labor to begin. In late pregnancy, it is normal to experience false contractions called “Braxton Hicks” . In other words, you will practice contractions. This is not the actual start of labor. However, it will be a breathing exercise for you. In the last weeks of pregnancy, if these contractions become closer together and last longer, call your doctor.
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Take care of yourself!
The start of labor can be very exciting for you, but it is important to remember that it is a long and probably not easy process. In the last weeks of pregnancy, stop running around and take some time for yourself. Make sure you get enough rest that day, or at least try to rest, maybe take a walk or take a long shower. Drinking lots of fluids and eating low-calorie meats will help you.
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Watch Birth Signs!
Learn the signs of labor and try to observe yourself to follow these signs without allowing yourself to become stressed.
How to recognize the onset of labor?
There is more than one way to know when labor has started. These are as follows, but first of all, be absolutely relaxed and patient during the onset of labor. Because you are about to meet the baby you have been carrying for 9 months. You should also talk to your doctor if you feel that the last weeks of pregnancy are not going well or if you think you need more detailed information about the onset of labor. Now let‘s take a look at the signs that indicate the onset of labor …
1.Prenatal Water Break…
Contrary to what many women know, your water breaking is not the first sign of labor starting. The fetal membrane can remain intact until your baby is born. Some babies may even be born with the fetal membrane intact. Such babies are known as ‘babies born with a fetal membrane’. In many societies this is actually associated with good luck 🙂
If your water breaks, your doctor will want to know if it is clear, bloody or green.
2. Prenatal Stomach Pain…
Many women start labor with mild stomach contractions. These contractions can sometimes feel like lower back pain. If the baby is coming, these pains become more intense, longer and more frequent.
3.Prenatal Diarrhea
In some cases, diarrhea can also be a sign of the onset of labor.
4.Urine Color Changes Before Childbirth!
During this time your urine will also be brown and bloody. This is because the mucus in front of the cervix is lifting, a sign that you are ready for the beginning of labor.
5.The length of the uterus expands as labor begins
Labor begins when your cervix dilates and thins by an average of one centimeter during the first hour. Your cervix must dilate by about 10 cm to be able to deliver your baby.
6.Vaginal discharge turns pink!
As the birth approaches, vaginal discharge increases and becomes pinkish in color.
what is the 1-5-1 Rule?
One of the ways to know when labor has started is the 1-5-1 rule. A very common technique for women is the 1-5-1 rule. This means that contractions last more than 1 minute and less than 5 minutes and that you have been having these contractions for an hour.
How to distinguish real labor from false labor?
Many expectant mothers wonder how to recognize the onset of real labor. Being able to tell the difference between real labor pains and false labor pains is also essential for determining the onset of labor. False contractions are usually relieved when you lie down or drink a glass of water.
Preparing for the baby before the birth begins and focusing on completing the baby’s needs can put the mother at ease. There are so many things to buy – bottles, breast pump for expressing milk, breast milk storage bottles, baby room, newborn clothes – and taking care of these things can reduce the fear of childbirth…