The signs of labor tell you that a miracle is about to happen. Labor may be the most painful time during pregnancy, but it is also the most rewarding. There is no comparison to the feeling of holding your baby in your arms for the first time.
Every Pregnancy Is Unique
For some lucky women, labor may last just a few hours, while for others, it may last for more than a day. How do you know that you are going into labor? Especially in your first pregnancy, you may feel the early signs of labor, even weeks before the due date. By the time you have your second or third child, labor symptoms will get nearer to your due date. However, every pregnancy is unique.
The Signs And Symptoms Of Labor
As pregnancy labor nears, the head of the baby starts to descend into the lower abdomen, and your uterus begins to soften. When this happens, it helps you breathe more easily and your heartburn reduces. The other symptoms you may feel are, swellings in the feet and an urge to urinate more frequently. The urge to urinate occurs because of the pressure that the baby puts on the urinary bladder. Another sign of labor is increased vaginal secretion of a whitish pinkish color. This is perfectly normal, but if the discharge is yellow in color, there could be an infection. You must inform the doctor immediately.
Some Further Signs Of Labor
The Braxton Hicks contractions are yet another early sign of labor. They actually get you ready for the real thing. Another sign is shivering without any cold. A change in the levels of progesterone causes this to happen. If you suddenly feel like emptying out drawers and cleaning closets, that is because you are going through the nesting instinct. However, you must not spend your energy and over do it or you will get tired very soon.
Thus, signs of labor are an indication of the baby’s arrival into this world. Moreover, a mother and father’s joys are boundless when this happens. We wish you a happy and safe pregnancy.