Identifying Signs of Labour

You must be busy reading up on the early signs of labour! Indeed, it can be hard to tell if those contractions are the real thing. By week 37, your little one is fully developed. If labour starts at this stage, that’s good news, because your little one is now ready for the outside world! 

Identifying Signs of Labour

How will you know if little one is on the way? The good news is, most labours will begin gently. The bad news is, labour can last for hours, or even days! Here are some early clues that may hint at little one’s arrival.

• Water bag breaks – this can happen in one gush, or a slow trickle

• Backache – this means your little one is getting into position for birth

• Brown, pink or red discharge

• Leaking nipples

• Diarrhea

• Walking differently – your pelvis widens to prepare for birth

• Intense contractions

If you are starting to experience these signs of labour, chances are, you’ll go into labour soon. 

Packing your hospital bag essentials marks an exciting time in your pregnancy. It’s a good idea to have it ready two weeks before your due date – just in case your little one makes an early appearance. Remember to show your birth partner what you’ve packed too, so they know where to find things in a hurry. 

Delivering Before Reaching the Hospital

Just in case you mistake labour pains for abdominal cramps or can’t get to the hospital on time for delivery, here are some tips for you and hubby^1.

• Remain calm

• Call an ambulance 

• Spread clean towels on a bed or sofa, and lie down

• Avoid pushing, but continue breathing deeply

• If your little one’s head can be seen, let the head emerge on its own

• Once the head is delivered and one shoulder is out, you may lift the head so that the other shoulder can be freed

• Keep the little one warm by wrapping it in a clean towel

• Do not cut or pull the umbilical cord

• Make yourself comfortable while help is on the way

References:

• https://www.healthhub.sg/live-healthy/1018/pregnancy-am-i-in-labour