Pregnancy And Baby Care Pregnancy Labor

...of holding your baby for the first time priceless, but on the other hand, the possible complications associated with labor can scare the hell out of you. To make things easier for you, here are few signs that you need to look out for, and to expect in order to recognize labor in pregnancy.

Labor Preparation in Pregnancy

Before you approach your due date, it is essential to be prepared for the big day. It is a good idea to know how it feels when you are in labor and what you are supposed to do to ensure a smooth delivery. You can also take a quick tour of the maternity facilities provided by the hospital where you plan to delivery your baby.

Besides this, you can also attend birthing classes to help you learn the breathing techniques that you should be followed during the delivery process.

Talking to friends or relatives who have recently delivered is a good idea to share experiences.

Identify True Labor During Pregnancy

It is natural to get confused between true and false labor as the symptoms are more or less the same. Your body has a tendency to prepare itself for the true labor; therefore, it shows false labor signals like temporary contractions. In true labor these, contractions increase with passing time, and in false labor, the contractions vanish in matter of a few minutes. So, the next time you get contractions, wait and watch for at least 30 minutes. If they vanish, then it was false labor or Braxton Hicks as it is more commonly known.

Back Pain:
Back pain is a common companion in pregnancy. However, if your lower back pain is severe in intensity and accompanied by contractions, then you need to know that you are going into labor. Expect some cramps or premenstrual pain along with back pain and contractions.

Water Breaking:
'Oh no, my water broke', the actress cries out, in movies. This statements means that labor is beginning. Unfortunately, things are not as simple in real life as it is in 'reel' life. It is not necessary that your water has to break for you to go into labor.

If you feel a gush of water or a tiny trickle, then you can be assured that you are going into labor. Once this happens, you will experience a higher intensity of contractions.

Vaginal bleeding:
Vaginal bleeding can also happen when you are in labor. A plug blocks the cervix of the uterus or the mouth of the uterus in order to protect the baby from catching an infection. Once the plug is gone, your baby can move into the birth canal and labor can happen anytime.

Cervix Dilation:
When you go into labor, your cervix becomes thinner and softer, and begins to dilate to accommodate your baby.

Look out for the signs above before jumping to a conclusion that you are in labor.