How will I know I am in Labour
July 31, 2009
If you don’t know what labour is, these are the signs you should look for when your delivery date is fast approaching.
Labour starts with what is called early labour. That is when the womb starts to contract because the neck of the womb – the cervix – begins to soften and dilate. When the dilation reaches between 3cm to 4cm, you are in labour. Your waters may break at this point.
However, the first signs of labour may differ from one woman to the other due to individual differences. The contractions may last for a few days if it is your first baby, but for second babies deliveries are quicker. Sometimes the labour can start and stop; therefore you have to eat and sleep in order to rest when it is possible.
Below are the signs of labour proper.
A ‘show’
When you become pregnant, a piece of mucus cocks your cervix. As the cervix dilates, this mucus becomes thin and is unplugged. This is known as a show, the most common early sign of labour. This can happen on the day of labour or a few days or weeks before.
This may go unnoticed because some women will notice some mucus in their pants but may not realise it is a show. There may be some blood particles or blood in it. If the blood looks greenish or bright red, get to the hospital immediately.
The waters break
For about 15% of women, the first sign of labour is when their waters break. This means that the amniotic fluid, a straw-coloured liquid with a sweet smell, starts leaking or gushes out.
If the waters are not clear, or there is blood in it, get to the hospital immediately. In any case when your waters break, get into contact with the hospital. You will have to be examined for possible infections. Contraction will begin within 24 to 48 hours.
Regular contractions
This is like period pains, but increases in intensity. Early contractions are not regular and may go off for some days. This may be very disappointing for most women. They may go to the hospital only to return home.
False alarms
Not all contractions are real. There are Braxton Hicks contractions, which can occur any time after 20 weeks. They are signs of the womb getting ready for real labour. They do not last.
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