Every woman experiences labour differently, and going into labour is a highly personal and unpredictable experience. What's normal for you may not be the same for another woman. Signs and symptoms of labour can occur as early as three weeks before the expected due date to two weeks after. It isn't easy to know when you can go into labour. But a few subtle early labour pain symptoms can indicate you are going into labour.
What is Early Labour?
Early or premature labour occurs between the 20th to 37th weeks of pregnancy. It is when the uterine contraction causes the cervix (mouth of the uterus or womb) to open earlier than normal. Early labour in pregnancy can result in the premature birth of the baby.
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Early Labour Signs to Keep In Mind
Here is our pregnancy guide that explains some early signs and symptoms to look out for:
Nesting
Some women may feel a sudden burst of energy and the urge to prepare the house for the baby's arrival. Moms also feel a strong drive to complete tasks like cleaning and organizing everything around the house as a part of their nesting instinct.
Lightening
First-time moms can experience lightning, where they experience their baby dropping into their pelvis. Because of this, you will have to urinate often as the baby's head is pressing against your bladder. Lightning doesn't occur in subsequent pregnancies.
Cramps
It is one of the important labour pain symptoms, as you may feel pain in the lower back and groin. It happens because your body is changing, and your muscles are stretching. These cramps sometimes come with mild contractions. It is better only to take the prescribed painkiller during pregnancy.
Dilating Cervix
An "effacement" process starts as you approach your pregnancy due date when your cervix starts to soften and thin out. Going into labour without any significant changes in the cervix is also completely normal. Around week 36, your doctor may start monitoring your cervix and your baby's position.
Losing joints
When pregnant, your body releases a pregnancy hormone called "Relaxin", which plays an important role in loosening your ligaments. This results in clumsiness in moms. As the labour approaches, you can feel your joints less tight. This way, your body can stretch, and your pelvis is ready for the baby's arrival.
Diarrhea
All the muscles in your body begin to relax, including the muscles in the rectum. It leads to labour diarrhoea and the discomfort caused by the pregnancy.
Read also: Five Tips for Caring Yourself in Pregnancy
Conclusion
As you move towards the end of your pregnancy, it's natural to be excited and anxious about the signs of labour. But suppose you experience any signs of labour and are less than 37 weeks pregnant. In that case, contacting your doctor is important, as they could indicate preterm or early labour in pregnancy.
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