Signs Labor Is Near

Ushering a baby into the world is a unique experience. This is one such event that makes the new parents experience a variety of emotions like excitement, happiness, nervousness, etc. Every would-be mother has a unique experience during child-birth, which is why one cannot tell the sure-shot signs if labor is near or about to be induced. However, there are some signs you may experience that will let you know that your body is preparing itself for labor. These are typically experienced around the end of your pregnancy. So in case you are interested to know “how do you know when you are going into labor”, here is the information that you require.

Lightening

In this, the baby basically drops from your abdomen deeper into your pelvis. You can feel the baby embedding itself in your pelvis. This dropping down is known as “lightening”. This may occur two weeks before or even a few hours before the onset of labor. When the baby drops, your lungs expand making it easier for you to breathe. Alternatively, you may be required to empty your bladder often due to pressure on the lower abdomen.

Bloody Show

During pregnancy, a mass of mucus collects itself at the cervix in order to prevent bacteria from entering the uterus. Before going into labor, you may experience “bloody show”, in which the mucus mass comes out and is often accompanied by blood. This may vary from a week to a few hours before the labor. In case of heavy bleeding, rush to the doctor.

Membrane Rupture

Commonly known as “breaking of water”, not all women experience this. The baby is developed in an amniotic sac inside the uterus which contains fluid. When the baby pushes to come out, this sac breaks and the fluid comes out, in the form of a gush of liquid or even just a few drops. Some women may have contractions before the water breaks, so this is very subjective.

Braxton Hicks Labor Pains

Also known as false labor pains or contractions, Braxton Hicks contractions come often, last for a while and then fade away. This usually happens when your body is preparing itself for child-birth. A change in position, going for walk, drinking water, etc. usually makes them go away. But if you really going into labor, the contractions are much longer and don’t go away with exercises or movements. In real labor, the contractions occur for regular intervals. Real labor pains also start to open up your cervix and are relatively more painful.