What symptoms do pregnant women experience before labor?
Disease description:
I am currently almost eight months pregnant, and I would like to ask about the signs or symptoms that may occur before labor?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Zhao Xiaodong
Prior to delivery, pregnant women typically experience a series of clear symptoms to allow timely preparation for childbirth. These symptoms mainly include:
1. Uterine contractions may occur. Initially, these may be irregular, false contractions (Braxton Hicks contractions), which gradually progress to regular contractions that increase in intensity. This indicates the uterus is preparing for delivery.
2. Feeling of fetal descent: Many pregnant women feel reduced fetal movement because the baby's head has descended into the pelvis, leaving less space for movement. At the same time, a sensation of pressure or heaviness may appear in the lower abdomen, possibly accompanied by back pain and leg pain.
3. Bloody show: Within 24 to 48 hours before the onset of labor, a small amount of blood-tinged vaginal discharge may appear. This occurs when the fetal membranes separate from the uterine wall, causing capillaries to rupture. It is a reliable sign that delivery is imminent.
4. Some pregnant women may also experience emotional fluctuations or anxiety, which are natural responses to the upcoming labor process.
5. Rupture of membranes: Commonly known as "water breaking," the pregnant woman will feel warm fluid leaking uncontrollably from the vagina, indicating that the amniotic membranes have ruptured.
