Pregnancy is a profound transformation for every woman. Mothers’ body undergoes continuous changes from the beginning of pregnancy, starting with common early symptoms like morning sickness . Throughout the pregnancy, there are changes in weight and shape, along with the growing discomfort as the due date approaches. Towards the end of the pregnancy, many mothers, especially first-timers, often have the lingering question: When is labor approaching?
The natural process of pregnancy typically initiates the birthing process around the third trimester or from around weeks 32 to 34 of gestation. Changes in pregnancy hormones in the body lead to increased sensitivity of the uterus to stimuli, making contractions easier to occur. In the pre-labor phase, many mothers often feel irregular, painless contractions that may occur every 2-3 times per hour or 6-8 times per day. These contractions are usually not painful but may be sensed as a tightening or hardening of the abdomen for a brief moment, commonly referred to as 'Braxton Hicks contractions' or, simply put, practice contractions. These sensations are a normal part of the lead-up to labor and do not indicate the onset of actual childbirth. However, they serve as signals that... labor is approaching. As the pregnancy progresses steadily towards full term, the uterus becomes increasingly responsive to contractions, gradually transitioning from the practice contractions to actual labor contractions. These true labor contractions, also referred to as 'active labor' or 'delivery contractions,' exhibit distinct characteristics that distinguish them from the earlier signs of pre-labor. These specific features include:
- The regular contractions of the uterus will be noticeable with a frequency of 8 contractions or more per hour or less than 10 minutes apart. Each contraction will last for 30-90 seconds. In the early stages, the contractions will be intense and may be felt as menstrual-like cramps, possibly accompanied by lower back pain. If the contractions are strong enough to cause cervical dilation, there will be consistent and intense pain as the uterus contracts rhythmically.
- Amniotic fluid or bloody mucus, resulting from the cervical dilation caused by uterine contractions, can lead to common accompanying symptoms. This includes the rupture of the amniotic sac, resulting in the release of clear, whitish, or greenish-tinted fluid, commonly known as 'amniotic fluid.' As the cervix opens further, there may be a tearing of small blood vessels around the cervical opening, leading to the expulsion of mucus from the cervix. This can manifest as a clear, thin discharge mixed with blood, commonly referred to as bloody show. Both of these symptoms may or may not occur and can happen later in the process of labor.
The aforementioned symptoms are commonly experienced during the labor process. However, the duration of these symptoms until delivery can vary based on the number of pregnancies. In general, the more pregnancies a woman has had, the shorter the duration from the onset of labor contractions to delivery. On average, first-time mothers often take about 6-8 hours from the onset of labor symptoms to actual delivery. In contrast, for mothers who have been pregnant multiple times, especially three or more, the duration may be significantly shorter, lasting only 2-4 hours.
Given these circumstances, if you, as an expectant mother, are approaching the due date and experiencing the aforementioned symptoms, it is recommendable to promptly go to the hospital for an assessment to determine whether labor is imminent or not. As you enter the final stages of pregnancy, typically from 37 weeks onward (considered full-term), you should be prepared for labor at any time. This is because it is unpredictable when nature will trigger the onset of labor.
The most important and essential item when going to give birth is the 'pregnancy record book or documents' as it is a crucial document summarizing necessary information for comprehensive care during childbirth. Other recommended essentials to prepare include:
- Mother's clothing and personal items; and
- Newborn essentials such as pre-made baby clothes, diapers, swaddling cloth for the baby before going home. If possible, these can be prepared in a bag or basket for easy transport.
With just these items, the expectant mother is ready for childbirth. We wish you a great joy in welcoming the new member of your family.
A heartfelt thank for information provided by Triphob ‘Tua’ Lertbannaphong, M.D.
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Crated At 24/11/2023
