Feeling Unwell Before Labor Starts (Signs)

If your due date is close, you know labor is coming soon. But, going into labor doesn’t really look like it’s often shown in the movies – a woman’s water breaking with a dramatic splash, pregnancy hormones raging as she screams for pain relief, and a baby that comes out looking five months old. The average labor and delivery for the first-time mother is 12-24 hours. Some last less than 12 hours, and some go longer than 24 hours – every labor is different. So, when you experience early labor signs, call your provider immediately for guidance and instructions. Here’s what to look for.

Key Takeaways:

• Knowing the early signs of labor can help you prepare for childbirth.
• Symptoms such as nesting, lightening, bloody show, nausea, and diarrhea can indicate that labor is approaching.
• Not all signs mean labor is imminent, but they can be a sign that it’s getting closer.
• Listen to your body’s instincts and trust your healthcare provider’s guidance.
• Seek support and communicate any concerns during the pre-labor period.

Signs That Labor is 24 to 48 Hours Away

When looking for signs that labor is coming in the next day or two, keep in mind that, because every pregnancy is different, the signs of approaching labor don’t really come with a timetable. These signs, however, are common early signs that labor just might start very soon.

• Nesting: Nesting is often a sign that labor is approaching. Many expectant mothers experience a burst of energy and the sudden urge to organize and prepare for the baby’s arrival.
• Lightening or Dropping: This occurs when the baby moves lower in the belly, indicating that labor may be getting closer.
• Bloody Show: The presence of a bloody show is another sign that labor may be approaching. It refers to the discharge of the mucus plug that blocks the birth canal.
• Nausea: Nausea can also be a sign of approaching labor, although it can also be caused by other factors.
• Diarrhea: Diarrhea is common before labor as prostaglandins are released to help start labor.

It’s important to note that these signs alone do not necessarily mean that labor is imminent but rather that it could be approaching in the next 24 to 48 hours.

Signs That Labor is Not Far Away

In the final days or weeks before your due date, you may experience physical discomfort before labor starts or notice one or more signs that labor is near. These signs can include:

1. Lightening: The baby drops lower in the pelvis, relieving pressure on the diaphragm but increasing pressure on the bladder and pelvis.
2. Loss of the mucus plug: This thickened mucus that has collected in the cervix may be discharged as labor approaches.
3. Bloody show: As the cervix starts to thin and dilate in preparation for labor, there may be pink or brown discharge.
4. Cervical dilation and effacement: The cervix prepares for labor by opening and thinning out.
5. Braxton Hicks contractions: These are irregular, mild contractions that can increase in frequency and intensity as labor approaches.
6. Nesting behavior: An instinctual burst of energy and a desire to prepare the home for the baby’s arrival.
7. Diarrhea and nausea: These can be caused by hormonal changes and the body’s natural cleansing process before labor.

It’s important to remember that every woman’s experience is unique, and not all signs may be present. However, if you are experiencing physical discomfort before labor or notice any of these signs, it may indicate that labor is not far away.

Knowing When to Go to the Hospital for Labor

Figuring out the right time to go to the hospital for labor can be challenging, especially for first-time mothers. Healthcare providers typically recommend heading to the hospital when contractions are three to four minutes apart for two hours. For those who have given birth before, it’s time to go to the hospital when contractions occur every five minutes for one hour. Additionally, if your water breaks, it’s crucial to call your healthcare provider and head to the hospital immediately.

It’s essential to follow the guidance of your healthcare provider and trust your instincts when it comes to knowing when to go to the hospital for labor. While timing contractions is one factor to consider, other signs, such as intense pain, bleeding, or a decrease in fetal movement, should also prompt a visit to the hospital. Remember, every labor experience is unique, and it’s essential to seek professional advice and support throughout the labor process.

Timing Contractions

Timing contractions is an important way to determine if labor is starting. To accurately assess contractions, it’s crucial to understand the difference between true labor contractions and Braxton Hicks contractions.

True Labor Contractions: True labor contractions are characterized by pain that is felt in the back and wraps around the stomach. These contractions are more intense and painful compared to Braxton Hicks contractions. True contractions occur at regular intervals, typically every few minutes, and their intensity increases over time.

Braxton Hicks Contractions: On the other hand, Braxton Hicks contractions are false labor contractions that usually cause cramps isolated to one specific area of the stomach or back. They tend to occur irregularly and may subside when you change positions.

To accurately time contractions, follow these steps:

1. Start timing when a contraction begins.
2. Note the duration of the contraction.
3. Track the time between contractions.

By recording this information, you can determine if labor is progressing and if it’s time to go to the hospital. Here’s an example of how to track contractions:

Based on the provided example, the contractions are consistently getting longer and occurring at shorter intervals, indicating that labor is progressing. If you notice similar patterns, it’s time to head to the hospital.

Understanding Labor and its Stages

Labor is an incredible journey that brings new life into the world. It is the process through which the baby and placenta are delivered from the uterus through the vagina. Understanding the stages of labor is essential for expectant mothers to recognize the signs and progression of childbirth.

Stages of Labor

There are three main stages of labor:

1. First stage: This stage is characterized by the thinning and opening of the cervix. It is further divided into three phases: early labor, active labor, and transition. During early labor, the cervix begins to dilate and contractions become more regular. In active labor, the cervix continues to dilate, and contractions become stronger and more frequent. Transition is the final phase of the first stage, where the cervix reaches full dilation.
2. Second stage: This is the stage when the baby descends through the birth canal and is born. It is an intense and challenging stage, where the mother actively pushes to help the baby’s progress.
3. Third stage: This stage involves the delivery of the placenta, which occurs shortly after the baby’s birth. The uterus continues to contract, causing the placenta to detach and be expelled.

Each stage of labor is unique and presents its own set of challenges and milestones. Recognizing these stages can help expectant mothers navigate the labor process more confidently.

“The stages of labor are like the chapters of a book, each one leading to the next. Understanding these stages empowers women in their birthing experience and enables them to make informed decisions.”

It’s important to remember that every labor experience is different, and the duration of each stage may vary. Some labors progress quickly, while others may take longer. It is normal to feel a range of emotions during labor, including excitement, anxiety, and exhaustion.

By understanding the stages of labor, expectant mothers can be better prepared for the journey ahead and approach childbirth with confidence and a sense of empowerment.

Recognizing Signs That Labor is Near

In the days and weeks before delivery, there are several signs that indicate labor is approaching. These signs include:

• Lightening or the baby dropping lower in the pelvis
• Loss of the mucus plug
• Presence of a bloody show
• Changes in the connective tissue of the cervix
• Increased Braxton Hicks contractions
• Nesting behavior
• Diarrhea
• Nausea

These signs are indications that the body is preparing for labor and that labor may be approaching. It’s important to pay attention to these signs and to communicate any concerns or changes with your healthcare provider.

Listening to Your Body’s Instincts

As labor approaches, many women report feeling an instinctual awareness or a feeling that labor is near. This can manifest as a burst of energy and a desire to organize the house or prepare for the baby’s arrival.

This instinct, known as nesting, is believed to be driven by hormones and can be a strong indicator that labor is approaching. Trusting your body’s instincts and paying attention to any changes or feelings can be helpful in recognizing the signs of labor and preparing for the arrival of your baby.

If you’re experiencing this urge to organize and prepare, embrace it! Use this time to set up the nursery, wash and fold baby clothes, and make sure you have all the essentials ready. Remember to take breaks and listen to your body’s cues for rest and hydration.

While nesting is a common instinct, it’s important to note that not all women experience it in the same way or to the same extent. Some may feel a strong urge to clean and organize, while others may simply have an increased sense of readiness and preparation.

“My nesting instinct kicked in a few days before I went into labor. I suddenly felt this overwhelming need to clean and organize everything around me. It was like a switch had been flipped. Looking back, it’s amazing how our bodies instinctively know what’s coming.” – Sarah, mother of two

Listening to your body and following your instincts can also help you manage any pre-labor health concerns that may arise. Pay attention to any physical discomfort or changes in your well-being, and communicate them with your healthcare provider. They can provide guidance and support during this crucial time.

Dealing with Physical Discomfort Before Labor

As labor approaches, it’s common to experience physical discomfort. This can include lower back pain, pelvic pressure, and general discomfort in the abdominal area. These sensations are normal and typically indicate that the baby is descending into the birth canal and preparing for delivery.

To manage and alleviate these discomforts, you can try the following techniques:

• Using heat pads to soothe lower back pain
• Taking warm baths to relax and relieve pelvic pressure
• Practicing relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing, meditation, or gentle stretching
• Using proper body positioning, such as sitting on an exercise ball or using pillows for support

These methods can help reduce physical discomfort and create a more comfortable environment during the pre-labor period.

If the discomfort becomes severe or is accompanied by other concerning symptoms such as heavy bleeding, severe abdominal pain, or a decrease in fetal movement, it’s important to contact your healthcare provider immediately.

Conclusion

Feeling unwell before labor starts is a common experience for many expectant mothers. It’s important to pay attention to the signs and symptoms of approaching labor, as they can help you prepare both physically and emotionally for the upcoming birth.

From nesting behavior to the loss of the mucus plug and the presence of a bloody show, these signs can indicate that labor is getting closer. Trusting your instincts and listening to your body are key in recognizing these early signs of childbirth. If you have any concerns or questions, it’s essential to communicate with your healthcare provider for guidance and support.

Remember, every woman’s experience of labor is unique, and there may be variations in the signs and symptoms. By staying vigilant, seeking professional advice, and being prepared, you can navigate the early stages of labor with confidence and peace of mind.