Preparing for Labor

In the weeks before labor starts, your body will begin getting ready. This is one task you don't have to remember; your body is taking care of it. These are some of the shifts in your body that will happen in a few weeks to a few days before labor begins.

• The baby "drops." When the baby's head settles down into the pelvis, you'll feel a little more room under your ribs. You may even be able to breathe a little easier. The tradeoff is that you now have a baby head in your pelvis, which can feel a little unsteady and heavy. It's possible that this pressure against your cervix helps stimulate labor.
• Braxton Hicks contractions increase. You've been having these "practice contractions" throughout the whole pregnancy, but you are sure to feel them now. They will feel stronger and longer. Although they'll be attention-getting, they usually aren't painful. Think of it as the muscles of labor tuning up before the big performance.
• Changes in your cervix. As the due date approaches, your doctor or midwife may perform an internal exam to see if your cervix is ripening. That's right, ripening.  This means it may be softening, thinning, or even dilating. This is usually a good sign that labor is near, although some women walk around a few centimeters dilated for weeks before birth.
• Pass the mucus plug. As the cervix changes, it will lose the mucus that sealed its opening. This will either come out as a lump of thick mucus or as an increase in vaginal discharge. It may be tinged with blood.
• Bloody show. As your cervix softens and stretches, small capillaries will rupture. This is especially true after an internal exam or sex. If you pass a little blood, don't worry. It can be brown, pink, or bright red. As long as it's not more than a tablespoon, it's nothing to worry about. 
• Diarrhea. Charming, right? This is a good sign, though. It means you're getting close. The prostaglandins that help the uterus contract and the cervix to soften can also stimulate the bowels. 

Signs That Labor Is Beginning

After weeks of these unusual symptoms, you may be wondering if the real thing will ever begin. When does active labor start?

Many women experience a surge of energy just before labor begins. You may be suddenly interested in organizing or cleaning. Try not to get involved in any big projects, though, because that energy is a gift to carry you through labor. Here's what to look for.

• Contractions. These are going to be significantly stronger, longer, and more intense than the Braxton Hicks contractions you've been having. You'll start to feel pain, not just pressure. You will probably feel it in your lower back because a lot of babies begin labor with their faces up, so the back of the head is pressed against mom's spine. If the contractions are regular and don't slow down or stop when you lie down, eat something, and drink some water, congratulations! You seem to be in labor. Let your doctor or midwife know right away, but you probably won't need to go to the hospital just yet. 
• Water breaks. The amniotic sac may rupture. This is a tricky one, because it might start to leak before contractions begin. Then again, it may never rupture on its own, and your doctor or midwife will need to help it along. But if you feel a trickle or a gush of liquid, it is probably amniotic fluid. Remember, it could just be a trickle.  Be sure to check and see what color it is and if it has an odor. A dark or greenish color or bad odor is a sign that the baby is in distress (meconium could be present and it is very dangerous for baby to inhale it). If you're not sure if what you're seeing is amniotic fluid or just vaginal discharge, go see your doctor or midwife. They can easily test the fluid to be sure. You want to speak to them even if you're not having contractions, because once your water breaks they will want you to deliver before too long, to reduce the risk of infection to the baby and yourself. It's  important if your water breaks to check in with your doctor right away. 
• Contractions get serious. When the contractions are regular, last longer, and are about 10 minutes apart, you're probably in active labor. At this point, women start to talk less and focus on what's happening in their body more. The pain will increase. If you can't talk through a contraction, that usually means you're in active labor. Time to head to where you're giving birth. 

As you navigate these last few weeks and days of your pregnancy, your body isn't the only thing preparing for birth. Your intuition is tuning up as well. Pay attention to how you're feeling, and if you need to talk to your doctor or midwife about something, don't be shy. Even if it's a false alarm, you're doing what you're supposed to by paying attention. This is your body and your baby. While there are patterns of labor, you are the only person who will give birth exactly like you. Trust your body and speak up if you're worried. Best wishes! What an adventure you're beginning!

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When you're pregnant, you can't help but worry about every little change in your body. It's only natural to be concerned that the baby growing inside of you is healthy and thriving. If you begin to experience any strange symptoms, you may wonder if it's time to call your doctor, or if you're just overreacting. One symptom you might experience is called Braxton Hicks contractions. Read on to learn more about them and when you need to check in with your doctor.

What are Braxton Hicks Contractions?

• When do they happen? Although they're most commonly felt in the third trimester, some pregnant women experience towards the end of the second trimester. They usually happen throughout pregnancy, but only become more noticeable as you get closer to your due date.
• What do they feel like? Some women describe them as feeling like menstrual cramps, or a tightening in their uterus. As if your tummy feels like a hard soccer ball.  Contractions are, by nature, a tightening and relaxing of the uterus, and will feel like that. They rarely last for more than a few minutes at a time and don't follow any rhythm like labor contractions do. They usually are more uncomfortable than painful, and always get less intense rather than becoming stronger or more frequent.  It's a normal part of the process. 
• What causes them? A few things can cause Braxton Hicks contractions, like mom or baby being particularly active.  When exercising you might feel them come about...no reason to be alarmed and also working out while pregnant is very healthy so keep it up!  A full bladder, dehydration, or someone touching mom's belly can also cause Braxton Hicks. They aren't caused by actual labor, and they don't mean that your baby is ready to come out just yet!

Should I be concerned?

Braxton Hicks contractions are rarely a cause for worry, so if you feel these contractions, don't let yourself get too stressed! Unless the contractions aren't letting up, or they're getting more intense, frequent, or painful, you don't need to contact your doctor. If you have Braxton Hicks for a full hour and they aren't loosening up then call the doc.

Of course, preterm labor is always a concern among women in their third trimester, so if you aren't definite that what you're experiencing are Braxton Hicks contractions, it also might be best to give your doctor a call.

What to do about Braxton Hicks contractions

Unlike true labor contractions, Braxton Hicks contractions will usually go away with a change of activity. Try simply taking a short walk, and trying your best to relax. A warm bath or a short rest can also help, especially if you've been particularly active.  Breathe, relax, drink water, and slow down a minute. 

Though it may be hard to rest and relax at such an exciting time, it's the best way for both you and your baby to prepare for the big day! In addition, make sure you're staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water or mom safe herbal tea. True labor contractions aren't relieved by any of these methods, so if you've tried them all out and nothing is bringing you relief, check in with your doctor.

As your pregnancy continues to progress, Braxton Hicks contractions can occur somewhat more regularly, but until you reach your last few weeks of pregnancy, they'll most likely be infrequent, irregular, and not too painful. In your last few weeks, your cervix begins to soften in preparation to give birth, so contractions around this time may start to happen more frequently and may also become more intense. 

Remember, if the contractions continue to get more regular, intense or painful, and they don't stop after a few minutes, it might be time to give your doctor a call. If you experience unusual discharge, spotting, odd lower back pain, vaginal pressure and pain also call your doctor.  They would rather know what is going on with you and evaluate it rather than have you not bring it up.  When it comes to your health and the health of your baby, it's always best to be safe! However, Braxton Hicks contractions are most often harmless, so if you find yourself experiencing them, try your hardest to relax and focus on steering clear of stress and worry. It's essential to implement self care in the third trimester. This is an important and exciting time for you, so focus on taking the best possible care of yourself.

Keep going mama! You're doing great!

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