Paying attention to the emergence of signs of childbirth is important for pregnant women so that they can prepare themselves and be prepared for childbirth. Therefore, let's recognize the signs that childbirth is imminent.
Even though they already have an estimated date of birth (HPL), the fact is that only a few pregnant women give birth on the day of their estimated birth. Therefore, pregnant women need to pay attention to the signs of childbirth which can generally begin to be felt from 3 weeks before the due date to 2 weeks after.
Sign-Tyou gave birth which must be considered
Signs leading up to labor can be different for every pregnant woman. Here are the most common signs of childbirth:
1. Difficulty sleeping
A disturbed night's sleep and feelings of restlessness can be a sign that childbirth is approaching. Therefore, as much as possible, try to get pregnant women to sleep or rest during the day, because pregnant women definitely need energy during labor.
2. More often urination
A few weeks or days before delivery, the baby will descend into the pregnant woman's pelvic cavity. This condition will make the uterus press on the bladder, so pregnant women will urinate more often than usual.
3. Emotional changes
Usually pregnant women will feel emotional changes a few days before giving birth, for example irritability or moody, like the times when you will menstruate.
4. Pain or pain
These are also signs that childbirth is imminent. Before giving birth, pregnant women may feel pain or cramping in the back, stomach, or cramping like the pain felt when approaching menstruation, but more painful.
5. Kfake contractions
These contractions are known as contractions Braxton-Hicks or tummy tuck that comes and goes. Generally, these contractions last 30–120 seconds, are irregular, and may disappear when the woman changes position or relaxes.
In addition, false contractions are usually only felt in the abdomen or pelvis, while true contractions are usually felt in the lower back and then move to the front of the abdomen.
Actually contraction Braxton-Hicks You can feel it as early as 16 weeks pregnant, but these contractions will feel stronger and more frequent as you near the time of delivery.
6. Thick mucus mixed with blood comes out of the vagina
During pregnancy, the cervix is covered by thick mucus. However, as labor approaches, the cervix will enlarge and soften to form a passageway for the baby to come out.
At the same time, cervical mucus will come out through the vagina. The color of this mucus can vary, ranging from clear, pink, or slightly bloody. This mucus can come out slowly so that it looks like vaginal discharge in large quantities, or it can come out immediately in a single unit.
7. Broken amniotic fluid
The signs of childbirth that are known by most people are the rupture of the amniotic fluid. Most pregnant women will feel the contractions before the water breaks, but there are also those who experience the rupture of the membranes first. When this happens, usually labor will soon follow.
Things to Prepare WhenApproaching Childbirth
When entering the 9th month of pregnancy, pregnant women should have prepared all the equipment needed during childbirth. So, when the amniotic fluid breaks or contractions occur, pregnant women can immediately rush to the hospital with the equipment.
The equipment that pregnant women need to bring includes:
- Bag containing clothes and toiletries
- Baby gear
- Snack
- Comfortable pillows and blankets
- Books, magazines, or other items that can accompany pregnant women waiting for childbirth
- Video camera with fully charged battery along with charger, if pregnant women want to capture the moment of giving birth
In addition to childbirth equipment, pregnant women also have to determine who will accompany pregnant women during childbirth. Pregnant women can choose their husbands, parents, siblings, or friends. Make sure they are ready to accompany pregnant women when labor begins.
Knowing the signs of childbirth is very important for mothers-to-be, especially those who are planning to give birth vaginally, because the time of delivery cannot be set and does not always match predictions. That way, pregnant women can be better prepared for childbirth.
However, if pregnant women do not feel any signs of giving birth even though it has passed the predicted date, immediately consult a doctor so that it can be determined whether labor needs to be carried out immediately or not.