Do You Know the Early Labor Warning Signs?

So, you’re pregnant, it’s been over eight months, and you’re going into the last phase before delivery. A lot of physical changes have already taken place. In your third trimester, you experience bladder leakage, pelvic and groin pain, sleeping problems, heartburn, reflux, swelling, breast pain, and varicose veins, as well as the maturing fetus inside you.

As you inch closer to bringing your baby into the world, it’s vital that you understand the early signs of labor you need to watch for. Expectant mothers in the Arlington, Texas, area nearing the end of their third trimester can depend on our team of expert OB/GYNs at Women’s Health Services in Arlington and Grand Prairie, Texas.

Let’s look at the stages of labor you’ll go through, what the earliest symptoms will likely be, and when you should get to the hospital to prepare to deliver your bundle of joy.

Stages of labor

Labor is the process of moving your baby through your birth canal and often happens between weeks 27-42 of your third trimester. It happens in three stages, starting with the labor pains that signal your child is ready to come into the world, followed by pushing your baby out, and ending with their delivery and the placenta and afterbirth leaving your body. 

The bonding period with your child right after birth is sometimes called a fourth stage, but the first three cover moving the baby out. Each mother will experience the stages differently, and the techniques used to manage the process will be unique to your needs. 

Signs to look for

It’s not uncommon to not notice anything different until labor pains start, so here are some early signs to look out for:

• Nesting: the series of urges to cook and clean with a burst of energy
• Cervical changes: your cervix will dilate, becoming shorter and softer as it makes way for your baby 
• Lightening: when your child moves lower in your uterus as you get closer to delivery
• Increase in vaginal discharge: ranges in color from clear to bloody and occurs as early as a few days before labor starts

These indicators are followed by contractions, belly and lower back pain, and your water breaking. Early labor can last up to 12 hours, with 30-90 second contractions every 5-15 minutes. False labor, or Braxton Hicks contractions, can happen weeks or days before actual labor.

When to get to your doctor

In the early phase, getting to the hospital isn’t absolutely necessary, but during the active phase of labor, you should be at the hospital getting ready to give birth. 

At this point your contractions are closer together, longer, and last about 3-5 hours. As your body gets ready, you should start breathing techniques and relaxation exercises between contractions, drink plenty of water, and urinate often.

Now you're ready to finally deliver your new family member, and knowing the early signs of labor can make getting to the hospital on time easier to manage. If you have questions or concerns about the stages of labor or other pregnancy matters, call Women’s Health Services today or visit our contact page for more information.