What are the signs before childbirth?

Pregnant women often experience some symptoms in the later stages of pregnancy, and many of these symptoms indicate that they may be about to give birth. For example, reduced upper abdominal pressure, lower abdominal distension, false labor, true labor, spotting and water breaking are all prenatal signs. If a woman in late pregnancy experiences these symptoms, she must prepare for delivery in a timely manner. Below, we will introduce the prenatal signs in detail!

1. Reduce upper abdominal pressure

First-time mothers may experience this change 1-2 weeks before delivery. At this time, as the fetal head descends into the pelvis, the pressure in the abdominal cavity gradually decreases, the upper abdomen is liberated, the expectant mother's breathing becomes lighter, and her appetite increases.

2. Lower abdominal distension

As the fetal head moves downward, the pressure on the bladder, rectum and other tissues below the uterus increases further. The expectant mother may often have a noticeable feeling of heaviness, frequent urination, back pain and other discomforts.

3. False labor

It usually occurs 1-2 weeks before delivery. Common symptoms include irregular uterine contractions, short duration, and long intervals. The expectant mother will feel tightness in the stomach and abdominal pain. False labor usually does not last more than 30 seconds and is not strong. The pain caused is mainly concentrated in the lower abdomen, and a small dose of sedatives can suppress it.

4. True uterine contractions

The contractions are irregular at first, then increase in strength, last longer, and shorten in intervals, and then slowly become regular. Waves of abdominal pain come over the expectant mother, and the pain increases, indicating that delivery is imminent.

5. Bloody sight

It often occurs within 24-48 hours before delivery. Some sticky liquid mixed with blood will flow out of the expectant mother's lower body. This is a major signal that delivery is imminent. However, if you find bright red blood flowing out of your vagina, or the amount of bleeding exceeds the normal menstrual period, it is not a normal sign of labor. It may be caused by an accident such as placenta previa or placental abruption, and you need to seek medical attention immediately.

6. Water breaking

As uterine contractions gradually intensify, the pressure in the uterus increases, the cervix gradually opens, the fetus descends, causing the amniotic sac to rupture naturally, and the amniotic fluid flows out of the mother's vagina. Once the water breaks, delivery of the baby will begin soon.