Usually, in the last weeks of pregnancy, the gynecologist warns the expectant mother about the approaching most joyful event in her life, as well as about the obvious signs preceding the onset of labor. True symptoms are often preceded by characteristic precursors. These are body signals that indicate the approach of the delivery process. A woman expecting a baby should know and understand them. What should expectant mother pay attention to and when to get to the hospital? What are the precursors of childbirth in multiparous, and do they differ from the body signals of women awaiting a first-born? Consider this article.
What is the reason for the appearance of precursors?
All processes associated with reproduction, including the process of conception, occur under the control of the central nervous system, and the birth process itself begins at the command of the brain. Regulation of processes associated with conception, pregnancy and childbirth is carried out with the mandatory participation of hormones.
After the fertilization of the egg and throughout the entire period of gestation, the mother's body actively produces the female hormone progesterone, which helps to suppress the contractile function of the uterus in order to avoid spontaneous birth (miscarriage).
With the full ripening of the fetus, its readiness to be born in the brain of a pregnant woman, a signal of readiness is received. From this moment, the body begins to produce estriol (a secondary female sex hormone that is a subspecies of estrogen). The action of this hormone is aimed at relaxing the cervix and bringing the uterine muscles into tone (readiness for contraction).
During this period, a pregnant woman may notice certain changes in mood and physiological state, which indicates the imminent start of the delivery process.
Harbingers of the coming birth
In the third trimester, many women are interested in how much precursors will make themselves felt. According to experts, everything is individual. Characteristic signals are observed two weeks before the birth, sometimes literally two to three days, while the true symptoms of the onset of labor directly precede the onset of delivery.
Doctors distinguish a group of certain body signals that a woman should pay attention to. Harbingers of childbirth are:
- change in mental state;
- prolapse of the abdomen;
- weight loss;
- loss of appetite;
- training fights and others.
We will consider each of them in more detail.
Change in the mental state of a woman
In medicine, this phenomenon is often called "nesting syndrome." About two weeks before the birth, the mood of the expectant mother changes. The maternal instinct, especially pronounced during this period, forces the woman to make the final preparations for the baby’s appearance in the house, to wash and iron baby clothes repeatedly, to do wet cleaning daily and other manipulations related to arranging a cozy nest.
The instability of the mental state of a pregnant woman can manifest itself in a sharp causeless change in mood. Some women become tearful, sometimes irritable and lethargic, others cry with the joy of approaching an important event, others remain calm and impartial. This behavior is associated with the internal processes of preparing the body for childbirth.
Abdominal prolapse
As a rule, these are visual precursors of childbirth in primiparous women. In mothers who are expecting more than the first baby, the omission often becomes noticeable immediately before the start of the process. The baby, like his mother, is preparing to be born, so the fetus moves lower into the pelvic area. At the same time, pressure on the stomach decreases, the woman experiences some relief in the epigastric region, the symptoms of heartburn disappear. On the other hand, the fetal pressure is now felt on the organs of the small pelvis (intestines and bladder), as a result of which urge to urinate and defecate become more frequent. In this regard, frequent precursors of childbirth are observed at 40 weeks - it becomes more difficult for a pregnant woman to walk and sit, since the tone of the abdominal muscles decreases.
Decreased appetite and weight loss
With the immediate approach of childbirth, a pregnant woman may notice changes such as a decrease in body weight by an average of one or two kilograms, as well as the absence of the previous feeling of hunger. A fully formed fetus no longer requires a large amount of nutrients from the mother's body. In addition, pressure on the pelvic organs, as well as the action of estrogen, helps to remove excess fluid from the body, which in turn leads to weight loss.
Sensation of contractions
Before the delivery begins, the body of the pregnant woman is trying to prepare, therefore, long before the birth, the woman may experience a feeling of contractions. Usually, such sensations are in no way connected with the birth itself, and contractions are of a training nature. This phenomenon has a more familiar rumor - “false contractions” and is associated more with a feeling of discomfort than with the pain characteristic of labor.
The first training contractions appear after the 20th week of pregnancy and often go unnoticed. With an increase in the period of sensation of contractions, contractions can appear more often and stronger, therefore many primiparous women often take false contractions for the onset of childbirth, especially those that appear in the last weeks of pregnancy.
The main difference between false fights and true ones is their irregular appearance and the absence of painful sensations. Usually false contractions go away by themselves after rest. Often, such sensations are associated with physical overwork.
If you are concerned about untimely contractions that appear irregularly and are not accompanied by pain, then your body needs rest. Change your activity to rest and sleep. In some cases, water intake helps some women.
On the contrary, frequent and painful contractions are the harbingers of childbirth at 40 weeks.
Change in fetal activity
By the end of gestation, the expectant mother is already getting used to the active movements of the fetus, so changes in the duration and frequency of the movements made by the baby indicate the approach of childbirth. Often, women notice a decrease in the motor activity of the fetus, while others, on the contrary, note hyperactivity. In some mothers, too passive behavior of the baby often causes concern. In some cases, the overly excited state of the child indicates an insufficient supply of oxygen to the fetus (hypoxia).
Exit of the mucous plug
The approximate time period for the appearance of such a phenomenon is two weeks before the onset of labor, in some cases, mucus is separated one day before the birth process. The mucous plug is a clot of mucus in the cervical region, which performs the function of protecting the fetus, preventing infection from entering the uterine cavity. Before the onset of labor, the cervix becomes softer, the walls of the organ open, and the mucus comes out. Typically, a pregnant woman notices a thick or yellowish consistency on her underwear. Sometimes the mucous plug has a pinkish tinge with streaks of blood. Separation of mucus can occur gradually in small clots, or completely in one large lump.
In rare cases, the discharge of the mucous plug occurs directly during childbirth.
Pain in the lumbar region
Such a harbinger of childbirth is closely associated with such a phenomenon as the omission of the fetus. As a result, the pressure on the lower parts of the spine increases. Pain in the lower back can be constant or periodic. Pain in the lower back is often similar to the pain that a woman experiences before the onset of menstruation.
As a rule, the appearance of back pain should not worry the expectant mother. However, in exceptional cases, this phenomenon may indicate incorrect presentation of the fetus.
Rapid urination and bowel movements
Frequent urge to defecate is a sign common to all pregnant women. With the movement of the fetus into the pelvic area, not only urination processes become more frequent, but also bowel movements. In addition to fetal pressure, a similar precursor of labor is associated with the active production of prostaglandin. Prostaglandin has a relaxing effect on the walls of the cervix. This increases the pressure on the intestines. Under the onslaught of the enlarged reproductive organs of a pregnant woman, the intestines are forced to get rid of the contents more often, which explains the frequent urge to defecate, and sometimes painful cramps in the abdomen. Often, the expectant mother takes such processes as a normal digestive upset. Usually such a harbinger appears a few days before the birth.
Cervical Relaxation
The sign of the so-called "soft neck" is diagnosed exclusively upon examination by a gynecologist. The woman herself is unlikely to be able to notice this process. Under the influence of prostaglandin (the hormone responsible for reducing the smooth muscles of the uterus), as well as estrogen, the walls of the neck become softer. This process immediately precedes the onset of labor.
These symptoms are not inherent in every pregnant woman. Some precursors of birth in primiparous pass unnoticed. Therefore, do not look in your body for a complete set of all kinds of signals. When the time comes, the true signs of childbirth will not be long in coming.
Uterine tone
The appearance of the main precursors of childbirth - contractions - is often preceded by a sensation of "ossification" of the uterus. The muscles of the body are compressed and contribute to the gradual advancement of the fetus through the birth canal. Such a sign is well defined by touch. If you put your palm on your stomach, you can feel that it is becoming hard.
Amniotic fluid discharge
This phenomenon warns a woman about the onset of childbirth and the need for hospitalization in a maternity hospital. Amniotic fluid rupture is accompanied by a clear discharge of fluid. Water discharge can occur at one time or gradually in small volumes. The quick process indicates the onset of labor, therefore the birth of a child may occur in the next day.
Small portions of water suggest a short delay. In any case, the period of the waterless existence of the child in the womb cannot exceed 12 hours from the moment the water completely drains, since during this period the baby is not protected from infection.
The process of rupture of the amniotic bubble and the discharge of water is painless, however, you should pay attention to the color and smell of the discharged water. Ideally, it is a clear, odorless liquid. But if you notice a cloudy, green or bloody hue or an unpleasant odor, immediately seek medical help. In some cases, an unusual color of the water may indicate fetal hypoxia (lack of oxygen).
As a rule, during pregnancy 38 weeks (second birth), the precursors are just the discharge of amniotic fluid. This indicates the beginning of the process and the appearance of contractions.
In primiparous women, if there is evidence, the discharge of water is often accompanied by medical intervention (opening of the amniotic fluid).
Contractions - Harbingers of Childbirth
The most striking sign of the approaching birth of the baby, accompanied by painful sensations in the abdomen. If they have a regular intensifying character with a frequency of 15-20 minutes, it is time for a woman to go to the hospital. In some cases, such contractions can be harbingers of early birth in primiparous. Over time, pulling pains become stronger and more frequent, repeated every 3-4 minutes. This condition indicates the onset of labor.
But, as a rule, in primiparous women, this process proceeds more slowly, so you should not panic with the appearance of the first contractions. The future mother still has time to calmly pack up and get to the hospital.
When is it time to get together at the hospital?
It is important for a pregnant woman who is about to become a mother for the first time not to miss the period of the precursors of childbirth.
What is the first thing to pay attention to a primiparous woman? Watch for changes in your body and try not to miss:
- The appearance of precursors of childbirth. Signals noticed in time help the woman to mentally prepare for the upcoming event, relax and gain strength.
- The appearance of true contractions accompanied by pain are the forerunners of childbirth. It is equally important to distinguish false sensations from real ones and promptly seek medical help.
- Amniotic fluid discharge. An attentive mother should understand that during pregnancy, especially at the end of the gestation period, the release of fluid is associated with the approach of childbirth.
- Water discharge in conjunction with painful frequent contractions. This condition is fully consistent with the onset of labor, so a pregnant woman is subject to urgent hospitalization.
Signs of Preterm Birth
The final ripening of the fetus is completed by the 37th week of pregnancy. Obstetric term often differs from the real one. Self-calculated moment of birth may differ from that established by the gynecologist. Therefore, it is important to listen to your body and notice new changes.
The appearance of true signs indicates a direct approach to the beginning of the process. Moreover, the premature occurrence of such precursors of childbirth, like cork, true contractions and discharge of water, regardless of the gestational age, indicates the beginning of the process. The onset of the premature appearance of the baby can occur in a period of 28-36 weeks. Symptoms of preterm birth are practically no different from birth signs during a full-term pregnancy. As a rule, the following signs testify to the imminent approach of childbirth:
- a feeling of heaviness in the lower abdomen;
- the uterus is in a state of increased tone;
- prolapse of the abdomen;
- increased pressure on the bones of the internal organs of the pelvis;
- the appearance of contractions.
Alarming signs of near birth are a reason for seeking medical help. At such moments, you can’t hesitate, because the life of your baby is at stake.
Even if you have not noticed all the described precursors of childbirth, true signs will always indicate to you that the time has come to go to the hospital. And the signals will bring the body to a state of readiness before the upcoming joyful event.