Advices for pregnants
Signs of labour
How will I know when I'm in labour?
Every woman's e is different. You may only be able to work out when labour truly started after you've been through it! However, changes that take place in pre-labour and early labour may cause tell-tale signs and symptoms that labour is imminent.
In pre-labour or early labour the latent phase you may have:
- Persistent lower back pain or abdominal pain, with a pre-menstrual feeling and cramps.
- Painful contractions or tightening that may be irregular in strength and frequency, and may stop and start.
- broken waters Your membranes may rupture with a gush or a trickle of amniotic fluid. Although this can happen long before labour starts, you should still call your maternity unit to let them know.
- A brownish or blood-tinged mucus discharge (bloody show). If you pass the mucus plug that blocks the cervix, labour could start soon, or in a few days. It's a sign that things are moving along.
- An upset tummy or loose bowels.
- A period of feeling emotional, excited or moody. You may feel restless, anxious or impatient.
- Disrupted sleep.