Signs Before Labor
Disease description:
Recently, I've felt that my due date is approaching, but there's still no sign of labor. I'd like to ask the doctor, what are the signs of impending labor?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Zhang Lu
Precursors to labor typically include the following signs:
1. Bloody show: Many pregnant women experience a vaginal discharge mixed with blood, known as "bloody show," within 24 to 48 hours before labor. This occurs due to cervical activity and separation of the amniotic membrane from the uterine wall, indicating that delivery is likely to begin soon.
2. Contractions: Labor contractions evolve from irregular and weak to regular and stronger. Initially, contractions may occur every two hours, gradually increasing in frequency until strong contractions happen every few minutes.
3. Rupture of membranes: Often referred to as "water breaking," pregnant women may suddenly feel a significant amount of fluid flowing from the vagina, sometimes mixed with fetal fat or meconium, caused by the rupture of the amniotic sac.
4. Lower abdominal or back pain: These pains, which may resemble menstrual cramps, result from uterine contractions and cervical dilation.
5. Changes in fetal movement: Some pregnant women notice reduced fetal movement as the baby has less space within the uterus, although this does not always indicate imminent delivery.
6. Increased bowel activity: Diarrhea or frequent bowel movements may occur, as the body prepares for labor.
