Early Signs of Labor - How to Recognize Labor Symptoms

This is the most dreaded period of time during a woman' s pregnancy. Labor can be a very painful, yet rewarding time. For some women, labor can only last a few hours, while for others it can last more than 24. Below, you will find a list of what to look for. The following are early signs and symptoms that you might be in labor. Prepare, you are in labor and getting having a baby!



Signs of Labor - Is Labor Approaching?
Many women begin to experience signs and symptoms of labor days and weeks before the baby is actually

born. These signs of labor that occur which tell you that labor is drawing near, help prepare your body for delivery. If you are a first-time mother, these early signs of labor may occur weeks before delivery, while subsequent pregnancies might result in these occurring closer to delivery. Here are early some signs of labor approaching.



Engagement

A labor draws near, your baby' s head will begin to descend lower into your pelvis. This happens as a result of the softening of your uterus. Also known as dropping, engagement allows you to breath more easily. Any heartburn symptoms you have had, also begin to cease. The dropping of your baby can happen anywhere from two to four weeks before you baby is actually born. When you experience this early symptom of labor, you can be assured that the process of having a baby is beginning. Your pregnancy will soon be coming to an end, and the early signs of labor you' ve been experiencing are true.



Pelvic Pressure

After your baby drops, in which your baby' s head is settled into your pelvis, you may begin to experience some minor discomfort. This pain is considered pelvic pressure, and you may begin to pass water and bowel movements more frequently. It' s one of the obvious early signs of labor. Your baby is placing additional pressure on your bladder and bowel, which is why this occurs. The relaxation of your joints and ligaments may cause your pubic bones and back to ache. This also causes sharp twinges as your baby presses down on your pelvic floor. In addition your legs and feet might swell, as the compression of blood vessels happens. Lying on your left side, might help with alleviate one of these early signs of labor.



Vaginal Discharge
Don' t be surprised if you notice an increase in vaginal secretions. As the softening of your cervix occurs, white, and sometimes pink discharge may be seen. This is one of the more uncomfortable early signs of labor. A yellow or frothy discharge might indicate that an infection is present. If the softening of the cervix occurs, and you notice this discoloration, notify your doctor.



Nesting Instinct

Aside from physical early signs of labor, you may experience nesting, which is nesting instinct. This is another of the emotional early signs of labor, and nesting is characterized by emptying drawers, clearing out closets, scrubbing floors, and other cleaning chores. This feeling is a maternal instinct that having a baby is drawing near. While want to make the most of this sudden burst of energy, don' t to overdo things. Although this urge to prepare for the arrival of your baby is there, you need to conserve your energy, as the early signs of labor will result in other signs of labor.



Braxton Hicks Contractions
This early sign and symptom of labor is named after the doctor that identified and named them. Braxton Hicks contractions, indeed are considered true contractions, however they are not the real ones. They are designed to prepare your body for having a baby. Braxton Hicks contractions stretch the lower part of your uterus, which enables your baby' s head to settle into your pelvis. It also helps the softening of the cervix. You might notice as true early labor draws near, these Braxton Hicks contractions intensify, and cause your abdomen to tighten. Lying down usually helps with the discomfort of these early signs of labor.



Shivering or Trembling
Another of the early signs of labor is occurring is a shivering or trembling feeling that you might experience for no reason. This early sign of labor might happen without any sensation of cold or weakness, and can be the result of stress hormones or an alteration in the level of progesterone in your body. Shivering and trembling is yet another of the early signs of labor and that you' ll be having a baby. Continue reading for more early signs of labor.



Diarrhea

An unpleasant early sign and symptom of labor is diarrhea. A release of the body chemical prostaglandins might occur in the process of early labor. This trigger can result in episodes of loose bowel movements. Read on to see a list of early signs and symptoms that labor is imminent, and you should consider taking yourself to the hospital.



Early Signs of Labor Being Imminent

The exact cause of the onset of labor is still unknown. As of now, the most current theory is that the baby helps produce substances that result in a change of pregnancy hormones. There are typically three major signs and symptoms that you are going into labor, and will be having a baby.



Mucus Plug or Bloody Show

You will begin by experiencing the softening of the cervix. As this occurs, the cervix begins to dilate, and the mucus plug which has sealed the cervix throughout your pregnancy begins to dislodge. A bright red to brownish liquid may appear, and this is called bloody show. Although a show may infer that labor is imminent, it can also occur weeks before the labor actually begins. Therefore, this cannot be the only sign and symptom that labor is to come.



Rupture of Membranes

Also known as your \" water breaking\" , the rupture of membranes occurs when the amniotic sac breaks. This is one of the most common early signs of labor. If you water does indeed break, you can almost assume you will go into labor within 24 hours of that happening. Once your water breaks, contractions usually begin to intensify, and your baby is getting close to your dilating cervix. If your water breaks while you are at home, keep track of when that occurs, as well as the consistency and amount of amniotic fluid that has been discharged. Amniotic fluid is usually clear and odorless, and will usually continue to leak until you deliver. Doctors encourage women to keep their vagina free from any foreign substances, as their is a risk that it may become infected. Your water breaking is one of the most common early signs of labor.



Regular Contractions

One of the most common signs of labor and way to tell if your labor is strengthening is the consistency of your contractions. The softening of the cervix will steadily dilate and it will continue to until you are fully effaced, and this of the obvious signs of labor, will mean your baby will be coming. Your contractions will become more rhythmic and will begin to lengthen in time and in intensity. Your contractions begin a process which pushes your baby slowly through lower uterus, and consequently delivery is coming close. These contractions, along with the other things listed, are clear early signs of labor and symptoms that your labor is imminent, and you soon will be having a baby!
Roops replied. Hey Renu, thanks for posting..

i am in my 35th week now and from past few weeks i have been reading so much about false labor, early labor, labor process and all stuff related to it..gosh!! i guess i am paranoid!!! i guess no matter how much we read we are still not sure as to how the actual experience would turn out to be..getting kinda impatient day by day and want to have the baby as early as possible!!cant wait to see my bundle of joy :)

you take care..all the best..