The body of a pregnant woman, starting at 38 weeks, is subject to one goal – the approaching birth. This week begins the preparation of the body for childbirth.
Just as a conductor controls an orchestra, the hormonal status of a woman governs clan activities. Everything is provided here, to the smallest detail. Coordinated, evolutionally verified work – no surprises. Any step to the side threatens the health of the child. The process is well understood, therefore predictable.
Signs of an approaching birth will tell you when to expect the birth of a baby. And although the first birth is more difficult, and in primiparas it is possible to predict the onset of childbirth by these signs.
So, let’s find out about the first signs of an impending birth and how the birth begins.
Laughter and tears
The most unreliable sign – a harbinger of an approaching birth, can be considered a change in mood. By the 38th week, a woman is already just tired of being pregnant, her strength is ending and moral, too. I want to finally give birth. No wonder the word pregnancy came from a burden. Every day, a woman in labor listens to her feelings, maybe today? Of course, hormonal processes influence the mood very strongly – lethargy and fatigue are suddenly replaced by vigor and optimism.
Such a phenomenon as “nesting” may appear – this is an irresistible desire of a woman to prepare, as best as possible, a home for her child. Remember that this is an instinct, do not tear yourself up, let relatives and friends do it. In primiparous women, these signs are more difficult to determine, because for them everything is the first time, and those who have given birth already know what’s what.
Against the background of a continuous change of mood, of course, it is difficult to determine whether this is the beginning of childbirth or just a little hysteria. Although some women, on the contrary, experience peace before the very birth. So, you should not be guided by this sign, all the more there are more reliable ways to notice the coming birth.
Appetite
Shortly before the onset of labor, appetite may change, usually downward. Most often, during pregnancy, women eat a lot. Especially if in this “wonderful” custom they are supported by relatives and friends. “You are now two, you must eat for two” future mothers hear this from all sides. And it is good if stuffed with cottage cheese and vegetables. But they can, after all, pamper pies daily. Refusal of dual nutrition causes, at best, bewilderment.
Or they can blame it for “wrecking”! Nulliparous mothers, as a rule, are lost, but if the birth is not the first, women are more responsible about nutrition because they know how the second birth begins. However, do not forget that the signs of the onset of childbirth in the secondborn expectant mothers may be absent altogether or be slightly different.
But just before the birth, the appetite suddenly disappears. And all the same, what dear relatives will say. This intelligent organism begins to save energy before the upcoming event, and it is better to listen to it!
Contractions
Starting at approximately week 20, pregnant women experience slight uterine contractions, i.e. contractions. These are false training fights. These fights, with which, in fact, the birth begins much more painful. Contractions begin at the lower back, passing to the front of the abdomen, regularly, with a frequency of 10-15 minutes. Then they become more frequent, the interval is significantly reduced to a minute. Sometimes labor pains are compared with very strong undulating menstrual cramps.
These fights, unlike training, continue when walking, constantly intensifying. If a woman feels such contractions, and the interval between them is reduced, it is necessary to immediately seek help. The birth has finally begun! If in doubt, you still need to bother the doctors, this is just the case when it is better to play it safe.
It is necessary to consult a doctor (call an ambulance) in case of:
- contractions are repeated every 7-10 minutes;
- contractions are accompanied by spotting;
- contractions are very painful and unbearable to endure;
- the waters have departed.
These are the main symptoms of how labor can begin.
The waters have gone
In normal pregnancy, the amount of amniotic fluid is 1.5-2 liters. As a rule, the discharge of water is impossible not to notice. But sometimes the water leaves for several days, it depends on the characteristics of the body and the pathology of pregnancy. Normal waters have a clear, odorless texture. In general, amniotic fluid is similar to ordinary water.
An anhydrous period cannot last long. As soon as the water leaves, you must immediately go to the hospital, under the supervision of doctors. If you are worried about why labor does not start on time, we recommend reading the article “Stimulation of labor”.
You need to collect things in the hospital in advance, so that with the start of labor and the waste of water, calmly, taking into account all the little things, go to give birth to a child. Take care of yourself and everything will turn out!
