Early Signs of Labor: A Doula's Insight for Expecting Parents
Hello again, soon-to-be parents! As an experienced doula, I am here to assist you in understanding the early signs of labor, empowering you to embark on your next big journey with assurance and insight. Here are some key indicators that your body could use to signal the onset of labor:
Water Breaking: The rupture of the amniotic sac, indicated by a gush or trickle of fluid, suggests labor has commenced, although not all labors begin with this event. Unlike Hollywood has shown us, a sudden and intense rush of fluid is not the most common experience. If you notice your waters have broken it’s important to note the following: What time is it? What color is the fluid? Is there any odor? How much liquid came out?
Engagement: The widest part of your baby's head settling into the pelvis, sometimes known as "lightening," can relieve pressure on the diaphragm but may increase pressure on the bladder, leading to more frequent urination. Engagement may happen a few weeks before actual labor has begun. It can also happen when labor starts.
Bloody Show: The loss of the mucus plug, which is composed of mucus and blood, seals the cervix during pregnancy to protect the uterus from bacterial invasion, and its discharge indicates that the cervix is softening, thinning (otherwise known as effacing), and dilating in preparation for childbirth. While not all labors start immediately after the expulsion of the mucus plug, its presence is a reassuring sign that your body is progressing towards the exciting moment of welcoming your baby into the world! You may also notice an increase in a thickened vaginal discharge, tinged with blood.
Contractions: Early contractions may start as mild, irregular cramps and gradually intensify and become more frequent. Active labor typically begins when contractions are regular, lasting around 60 seconds, and occurring every 5 minutes. Early contractions may start further apart and feel manageable. As you transition into active labor, contractions become stronger, closer together, and more intense, often requiring your full attention.
Sidenote: Braxton Hicks contractions or “false labor”, while incredibly uncomfortable, never grow in intensity, frequency, or duration like your real contractions will.
5. Backache: Persistent lower back pain, sometimes radiating to the front, can be a sign of early labor as your body readies for childbirth. This is caused by and accompanied with contractions and laboring the baby down.
Understanding these early signs can empower you to recognize the onset of labor and make informed decisions about when to reach out to your healthcare provider or call your doula for additional support. Embrace this transformative time with a sense of preparedness and trust in your body's remarkable ability to bring new life into the world. Stay informed, stay connected, and above all, take one day at a time or even just one breath at a time as you embark on this journey toward parenthood. It’s important to remember labor (usually) takes time. Your body will take several steps in order to get prepared for labor. If you have more questions about early labor, birth, or postpartum, Whole Heart Doulas is here to help!
