Signs You Might Be in Labour

Understanding Labour

For many expectant mothers, recognizing the signs of labour can be challenging. It's important to know what to look for as your due date approaches. Understanding these signs can help you prepare for the arrival of your baby.

Stages of Labour

First Stage of Labour

Regular, usually painful contractions cause your cervix to thin and open up (dilate) to 10cm. In the early stages you may experience:

• vaginal discharge such as thick mucus stained with blood – a ‘show’ (if uncertain please contact your maternity care provider)
• lower abdominal ‘period-like’ pain, occurrences of which may be 10 to 30 minutes apart.
• your waters breaking (ruptured membranes).
• diarrhoea.
• dull backache.

Try To :

• have regular drinks, meals & snacks.
• try to rest if it’s during the night
• call the hospital to talk to the midwife.
• stay at home for as long as you can.
• a bath/shower can be helpful.
• go to the toilet regularly, every 2-3 hours.

In the later stages you may experience more intense contractions, they become stronger and closer together and may be three to five minutes apart (this is the time to come into hospital).

Try To:

• concentrate on one contraction at a time.
• if you are hot, a cold face washer on the neck and face can be soothing.
• vary positions between sitting, standing and walking.
• continue to drink plenty of fluids and eat light snacks if you feel like it.
• rest between contractions.
• a bath/shower can be helpful.

Second Stage of Labour

This stage begins when your cervix has fully opened (dilated) and continues until the baby is born. You may experience:

• longer and stronger contractions with a one- to two-minute break.
  
• shaky cramps, nausea and vomiting
  
• increased anal pressure
• stretching and burning feelings.
• the desire or urge to push

Also, if the urge to push can be overwhelming. Try to relax and to control your breathing pattern. If possible, get off the bed or try different positions on the bed.

Pushing may last up to two hours, but the length of time is different woman to woman. The pushing stage is usually quicker if you have had a baby before. You may experience:

• pressure, the feeling of wanting to go to the toilet
• the baby’s head moving down.
• stretching and burning in your vagina
• try to breathe deeply
• follow your body’s urge to push
• find a position that is comfortable
• listen to your midwife or doctor, who will guide you.
  
  

Third Stage of Labour

This stage begins with the birth of your baby and continues until the placenta and membranes are deliverd. You may experince more contractions to birth the placenta. 

The midwife will usually pull on the cord to deliver the placenta, but may ask you to help by gently pushing. Most hospitals will allow you to keep your placenta providing that further testing is not required. Some people will turn their placenta into capsules, plant it in a pot or bury it in their gardens. 

Conclusion

Recognizing the signs of labour can help you feel more prepared for the arrival of your baby. Stay informed and communicate with your healthcare provider. This will ensure you receive the support you need during this exciting time.