6 signs your body is getting ready for labour

Childbirth and labour pain are some of the things a woman has to go through to have a baby. 

I have discovered that many expectant mothers go into labour without prior knowledge of what it entails. Many struggle with labour pains and childbirth; some even die in the process.

In this article, I will be writing on the signs to know that your body is getting ready for delivery, labour tips for new mothers, etc.

Table of Content hide 1Signs your body is getting ready for labour 2Labour tips for first-time mothers 3Preparing for labour exercises 4Mentally preparing for labour 5How to prepare for labour in the third trimester

Signs your body is getting ready for labour

Your baby’s precise birthdate will surprise you unless you have a scheduled c-section. It’s more likely to happen two weeks before or after your “official” due date. Though the calendar can’t give you an exact date, your body can offer you cues in the form of early signs of labour that indicate that the baby is on the way.

Here are some signs to show that labour is coming soon.

• The baby drops: The baby’s head will drop into the pelvis in preparation for birth anywhere from a few weeks to a few hours before active labour begins. This is referred to as lightening. Many ladies notice the decline in the first place while looking in the mirror! Also, as the baby moves down and away from your diaphragm, your shortness of breath may improve dramatically. You may also notice new pelvic heaviness or discomfort and increased peeing.
• You feel the urge to nest: You may experience a burst of energy in the days leading up to the delivery, along with a desire to clean, organize, or prepare for the baby. It’s known as nesting, and it’s one of the more reassuring indicators that labour is on the way. Before the big day, it’s nice to get all those little onesies folded, and bottles sanitized, but don’t overdo the physical effort.
• No more weight gain: If you’ve been gradually gaining weight throughout the third trimester, you may notice that the number on the scale stops rising as you get closer to the finish. Water breaking and increased urine cause some women to lose 1 to 3 pounds before labour.
• Your cervix starts to dilate: The cervix is the thick, thumb-long link that connects your uterus to the outside world. It reaches a couple of inches into the innermost region of your vaginal canal. It should be lengthy and closed during pregnancy (premature opening of the cervix is a severe concern called an incompetent cervix). As labour approaches, the cervix becomes shorter and thinner (effaced), and the cervix dilates (opens). These early modifications may not be noticeable. Many women don’t realize it’s happening until their doctor performs an exam and says, “We’re getting closer.” You’re already dilated by a centimeter!” The tricky issue is that “closer” can imply anything from a few hours to a few weeks! When labour finally arrives, the cervix will dilate to 10-centimeters (4 inches).
• You get tired quickly: Don’t be surprised if you’re full of energy one day and completely drained the next. This first-trimester phase can be repeated near the end of the third trimester if you genuinely need a snooze! Sleeping can be difficult when you’re nine months pregnant, but try to get some rest and conserve your energy. It’ll be pretty helpful to be rested—after all, labour is called that for a reason.
• Vagina discharge: As your body gets used to lubricating your delivery canal, your vaginal mucus production may increase, making it easier for the baby to slide out when the time comes! It’s also possible that the discharge is caused by mucus particles breaking free from your mucus plug.

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Labour tips for first-time mothers

For first-time mothers, giving birth can be both exciting and terrifying. Your birth experience will be unique to you and your baby, just like the rest of your pregnancy has been. You undoubtedly have many questions about what to expect on the momentous day when you finally meet your baby.

Here are some important tips to take note of.

1.  Do not worry or panic: Worrying or panicking does not take the pain away. It is essential to be calm through the labour pains. Try taking deep breaths in between the pains. Also, try finding some exercises that can relieve the pain.
2. Have your hospital bag ready: If you need to stop what you’re doing and head to the hospital right away, they’ll have everything you need. However, I usually tell patients that having a bag ready in about 36 weeks is an excellent idea. You’ll want to bring a few things with you to make your stay more pleasant. Here are some essential items you need. Toiletries like shampoo, bathing soap, toothbrush and toothpaste, comfy clothes, and some clothes for the baby.
3. Have company: As a first-time mother, it is important to be surrounded by your family members and friends. This can help reduce the burden and lessen the pain a bit.
4. The power of prayer: Prayer is very important.
5. Do some exercises: Regular exercise can help prepare a mother for labour pains. Walking regularly, resting, and drinking lots of fluids are some tips that can help during labour. These exercises can be used before labour to help induce the delivery and during labour as a comfort measure for the mother.
6. Choose where and how you want your baby delivered: You must decide where your baby will be delivered and how. Some of the options for where your baby would be delivered are home birth, birthing homes, and the hospital. How you would like the baby to be delivered includes C-section and natural childbirth.

ALSO READ: How to recover after C-Section

Preparing for labour exercises

Working out when pregnant can help with backaches, constipation, edema, sleep, energy, mood, and general health. Exercising might also help you prepare for labour and delivery.

According to a study, women who exercised regularly throughout pregnancy had a lower risk of a c-section birth, experienced less pain and discomfort during labour, and recovered faster after giving birth.

Here are some exercises that can help prepare a mother for childbirth and labour.

• Walking
• Birth ball
• Squat
• Pelvic tilt
• Backstretch
• Deep, slow breathing

Mentally preparing for labour

Labour is not just a physical exercise, but also a mental and emotional one. Every mother needs to prepare mentally for labor as she would physically.

Here are some ways to mentally prepare for delivery.

• Learn to manage stress and relax
• Seek emotional support from family and friends
• Learn some ways to deal with labour pains
• Choose a mantra or positive affirmation to help during the pregnancy and labour
• Be cautious of what you read or listen to about labour.

How to prepare for labour in the third trimester

Once you enter the third trimester of pregnancy, the baby can come at any time. As an expectant mother, these are some things you need to do to prepare for delivery.

• Stay positive
• Have your hospital bag ready
• Exercise regularly
• Stay nourished, hydrated, and rested
• Eat healthily
• Avoid strenuous activities

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