Identifying Labour Signs

Pregnancy marks the commencement of a transformative journey for both the mother and the developing baby. If you are anticipating the arrival of your baby soon, it is essential to recognise the signs to prepare yourself for labour. 

What are the signs of impending labour?

Here are some signs that labour may be approaching:

1. Lightening

   Lightening, or the sensation of the baby dropping lower into the pelvis, can bring relief from pressure on the diaphragm, allowing for easier breathing. However, it can also result in increased pressure on the bladder, leading to more frequent trips to the bathroom. Others may notice changes in your appearance, such as your belly appearing lower, even if you have not noticed these changes yourself.

2. Bloody mucus

   During pregnancy, a dense mucus plug serves as a barrier, protecting the cervical opening from bacterial entering the uterus. As the cervix starts to soften and thin out in preparation for labour, this plug is naturally discharged.

   Contrary to common belief that it resembles a solid cork, it typically appears as stringy mucus or discharge, known as a show. The colour can range from clear to pink or blood-tinged, and its expulsion can occur minutes, hours, or even days before labour begins. However, not all women may notice this sign.

3. Braxton Hicks contractions (“false contractions”)

   During pregnancy, especially as your due date approaches, you might have experienced “false contractions,” known as Braxton Hicks contractions. These contractions are usually painless, though they can be uncomfortable. They are irregular, unpredictable, and often feel like a tightening or squeezing sensation in the abdomen, without significant pain.

   Typically, Braxton Hicks contractions are short-lived, less frequent, and do not increase in intensity or frequency over time. These contractions are often mistaken for real labour, especially in the weeks leading up to your due date.

   In true labour, however, contractions become longer, stronger, and more frequent. When a real contraction occurs, the muscles of the uterus tighten, leading to increased pain. If you place your hand on your abdomen during a contraction, you will feel the muscles tightening. As the contraction subsides, the pain decreases, and the abdomen gradually relaxes.

4. Backache

   Some women experience persistent lower back pain as a sign of impending labour.

5. Water breaks

   Only about 1 in 10 women experience a sudden gush of amniotic fluid when their water breaks. The amniotic sac is a fluid-filled bag where your baby develops and grows, it usually breaks when it is time for your baby to be born and the amniotic fluid drains out through your vagina. This is the occurrence of your waters breaking.

6. Cervical changes

   Your cervix may dilate (open) and efface (thin out) as labour approaches, which can be detected during a pelvic exam.

7. Nesting instinct

   Throughout most of your pregnancy, you may have been resisting the urge to take naps, so you should be familiar with this symptom. The day will come when you wake up feeling energised and refreshed. You might experience a surge of energy and a strong urge to clean, organise, or prepare your home for the baby’s arrival.

How does a contraction feel?

Some women may describe contractions as intense menstrual pains. As your labour progresses, your contractions usually become longer, more intense, and more regular. Your womb muscles tighten, and the pain intensifies during a contraction. You would feel your abdomen tighten as the muscles contract when you place your hand over the abdomen. As the muscles relax, the pain reduces, and the abdomen gradually relaxes.

The contractions push your baby downwards and open the entrance to your womb (the cervix), preparing for your baby to pass through. Your contractions would be in a regular pattern that come every five minutes.

What should you do when labour begins?

These are what you can do at the start of labour:

• Walking or moving about is an option.
• Consuming liquids such as sports (isotonic) drinks may help maintain your energy and hydration levels.
• Eat a snack.
• Relax and do breathing exercises that you have learned to deal with contractions as they get intense and extra painful. You can do these activities together with your partner to help you.
• Your partner can rub your back to help you alleviate the pain.
• Take a warm bath.

Make an appointment at Pantai Hospitals

Recognising the signs of labour early is crucial for adequate physical and mental preparation. Your partner’s understanding and awareness of these signs can make a significant difference.

Get in touch with us to book an appointment with our team of obstetricians today, or find out more about our Obstetrics and Gynaecology Services at your nearest Pantai Hospital.

Pantai Hospitals have been accredited by the Malaysian Society for Quality in Health (MSQH) for its commitment to patient safety and service quality.