Signs One Week Before Childbirth
Disease description:
My wife's due date is approaching, and I'm feeling a bit nervous. We are planning to check into the hospital about a week early. I'd like to consult the doctor about what signs or symptoms may occur in the week before giving birth.
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Zhang Lu
About a week before giving birth, a pregnant woman's body may show some obvious signs. The following situations are commonly observed:
1. Contractions: Regular or irregular contractions may begin, often inconsistent in frequency, short in duration, and possibly more intense at night, but usually without cervical dilation.
2. Bloody show: The vaginal discharge may contain streaks of blood, sometimes accompanied by the expulsion of a mucus plug.
3. Rupture of membranes (water breaking): The amniotic sac breaks, causing clear or pale yellow fluid to leak from the vagina. This may occur as a sudden gush or as a continuous trickle.
4. Lower abdominal and back pain: As the fetus descends into the pelvis, the woman may experience increased pain in the lower abdomen or back.
In addition to the above four signs, pregnant women may also notice the abdomen sitting lower, fetal head engagement into the pelvis, a sensation of reduced pressure in the upper abdomen, and possibly increased frequency of urination. There may also be decreased fetal movement, stagnation or reduction in weight gain, and the abdomen may feel tighter. These signs indicate that the woman's body is preparing for childbirth.
