Now that you are nearing the end of your pregnancy you are anticipating the labor and delivery of the little bundle of joy inside. Don’t worry about rushing or if you’re due date comes and goes by. The female body was created to bear, nourish, and deliver.
What should you expect and how will you know that your labor has begun…? Everyone’s labor is different and unique to them. Though you are given a due date, there is no way to actually predict when your labor will begin (unless you are having a planned caesarean section).
You can most likely suspect to start noticing these symptoms as your delivery is nearing. The baby will drop into the pelvis area, which is called lightening. Although this could happen up to four weeks prior to your actual delivery. Because of the baby dropping you might notice your abdomen protruding more.
You might notice less pressure on your airways and your stomach. Another sign is up to 48 hours prior to the onset of labor you will have more then normal bowel movements. This is said to be the body cleansing the lower bowel as it prepares for birth.
You could experience flu like symptoms which could include vomiting, diarrhea, or fever. Another sign is that you might notice a increase in vaginal discharge as the body prepares the birthing canal. You could start false labor called Braxton Hicks.
Another sign of the onset of labor is the mucous plug ( pink blood mucus caused by the effacement and from dilation) Your water might break and release the amniotic fluid. It could be either a trickle or come in a large gushing flow. The bag of water may break.