My stomach hurts, is this the time to give birth?

A woman's body will undergo major changes after becoming pregnant, which are sometimes beyond her control, especially in the early stages of pregnancy when pregnancy reactions are very severe. Nausea, confusion, and vomiting are common symptoms. Of course, everyone’s physical condition is different. Some people have stronger reactions during pregnancy, but some people don’t have much of a reaction, so it depends on your own situation. The last period of pregnancy is the delivery period, which is very important. So does the stomachache mean I’m giving birth?

1. Cervical mucus plug

Time: 34-36 weeks to the end of delivery Around 34-36 weeks or later, the expectant mother will secrete a transparent, sticky substance called cervical mucus plug. In fact, this mucus has been present in the cervix for the past 9 months, sealing the cervical canal and preventing bacteria from invading the uterine cavity. As the uterus contracts regularly, this mucus plug is expelled with the contractions that begin labor. At the same time, due to the separation of the fetal membrane at the endometrium and the uterine wall, there will be a small amount of blood.

2. Fetus enters the pelvis: upper abdominal relaxation and fetal falling sensation

Time: 1-2 weeks before delivery In the early, middle and late stages of pregnancy, the baby's head is facing up. 1-2 weeks before delivery, the baby begins to prepare for birth and somersaults in the mother's belly, with the head down and buttocks up. This is medically known as "engagement in the pelvis." The entire process of entering the basin may be completed in less than half a minute.

3. Uterine contractions

Time: 1-2 weeks before delivery to the end of delivery Uterine contractions are an important feature of labor, but only uterine contractions accompanied by pain are a precursor to delivery.

4. Seeing red

Time: About 24-48 hours before delivery, bloody secretions will flow out of the vagina, which is similar to the normal menstrual amount. This is because due to irregular contractions of the uterus, the fetal membrane near the cervix separates from the uterine wall and the capillaries rupture.

5. Water breaking

Water breaking is also one of the hallmarks of labor. When water breaks, a large amount of water will flow out of the vagina, just like urinary incontinence, and you cannot control it. This is because as delivery approaches, uterine contractions intensify and the pressure in the uterine cavity increases, causing the amniotic sac to rupture and the amniotic fluid in the sac to flow out.

We all know that expectant mothers will experience a period of labor pains before giving birth, and the pain described by different mothers will be different. There are many places now that allow people to experience the pain of childbirth. It is highly recommended that all expectant fathers go for this experience. In this way, expectant fathers may understand the hard work of expectant mothers and be able to give more patience and care.