Knowing the signs of labour is also important. One of the main signs is contractions. These are cramps that get stronger over time and signal the start of childbirth. Familiarising yourself with the signs of labour prevents panic when contractions begin.
Preparing Your Body and Mind for Labour
Labour requires physical and mental readiness. You can handle it with more strength after practising these methods.- Perineal massage: It is a method used to prepare the perineum, which is the area between the vagina and the anus. You can do this massage for 5 minutes every day, starting from 34 weeks of pregnancy. It can help reduce the chances of tearing the perineal tissue during delivery.
- Practice antenatal exercises: Regular exercise strengthens your body for labour. Pelvic floor exercises like Kegels improve muscle tone and lower the risk of tearing. Pregnancy yoga also improves flexibility.
- Attend antenatal classes: Join private antenatal classes to learn about labour stages, pain relief, and breathing techniques.
- Maintain a balanced diet: Nutrition supports energy and recovery. Make your diet rich in iron, folate, calcium, and protein-rich foods like lentils, paneer, brown rice, and millets.
- Walking: Walking promotes optimal foetal positioning and labour readiness. Daily walking also reduces the risk of caesarean sections.
- Practice breathing techniques: Practising deep breathing beforehand will build muscle memory for labour. Some of the breathing techniques you can practise are slow breathing, light breathing, accelerated breathing, variable breathing, and expulsive breathing.
- Prioritise rest and sleep: Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep nightly and take short naps when needed. Use pillows to support your bump and between your knees.
- Educate yourself about labour: Knowledge reduces fear of the unknown. Learn about the process and avoid unverified sources, as they can increase anxiety.
Signs of Labour
There are several signs that indicate labour may be starting soon. Recognising these signs can help you know when it’s time to head to the hospital.- Regular contractions: True labour contractions become more regular and intense over time. If contractions come every 5 minutes for an hour or more, it may be time to head to the hospital.
- Water breaking: This happens when the amniotic sac ruptures, releasing the fluid surrounding the baby. It can happen as a gush or a slow trickle. Visit the hospital immediately as labour begins within 24 hours of water breaking.
- Mucus plug loss: The mucus plug is a thick layer of mucus that seals the cervix during pregnancy to protect the baby from infection. Losing it means the cervix is softening and preparing for labour. It may look like a jelly-textured discharge that is clear, white, or yellowish, tinged with pink or brown blood.
- Lightening: This occurs when the baby’s head drops lower into the pelvis, 2-4 weeks before labour. Lightening eases pressure on the diaphragm and upper abdomen.
- Diarrhoea: Hormonal changes may cause diarrhoea or nausea as the body prepares for labour.
- Nesting instinct: Feelings of a sudden burst of energy or a strong urge to clean and organise
Arriving at the Hospital
Make sure to hand over all your valuables to your partner or a family member. After birth, an infant warmer will be used to keep your baby warm and adjust to the outside temperature. Choose a hospital that is close and well-equipped with experienced doctors. Check the hospital’s facilities and insurance options. Once you're set, you'll be ready for your delivery. The process can be long, and it takes a lot of courage, so stay strong and patient. Don’t hesitate to ask for anything you need during this time.You will be admitted, and the medical team will assess you. They will monitor your contractions, baby's heart rate, and cervical dilation. They will admit you to a birthing room if you're in active labour. During delivery, you will either have a vaginal birth or a C-section. Your doctor will guide you through this decision.Understanding Labour: How It Works
Labour starts with signs like contractions and changes in the cervix. It happens in stages:- Early labour: It starts when you feel mild contractions, causing the cervix to soften and thin out (effacement). The cervix begins to dilate from 0 to 6 centimetres to prepare for childbirth. Early labour typically lasts 12 to 24 hours for first-time mothers. For women who have given birth before, it's often 8 to 10 hours. These contractions feel like period cramps or back pain.
- Active labour: At this stage, the contractions intensify. The cervix dilates from about 6-8 centimetres to 8-10 centimetres. It lasts for 4 to 8 hours, but can be shorter for women who have given birth before. The cervix usually opens about 1 cm every hour. But it can take longer if it's your first baby. This is the stage of labour where you're asked to push.
- Afterbirth: This stage is when the placenta is delivered after the baby is born. The placenta, which nourished the baby during pregnancy, detaches from the uterine wall. It is then expelled through the vagina. Afterbirth takes a few minutes, but in some cases, it can take up to an hour.
What is Induced Labour?
Induced labour is a medical procedure used to start or speed up labour when it doesn't begin naturally. It may also be done when there are health concerns that require the baby to be delivered earlier. Induction is recommended when continuing the pregnancy poses risks to the mother or baby. Common reasons include:- When the pregnancy goes beyond 41 weeks.
- The foetus stops developing.
- Preeclampsia or high blood pressure.
- Gestational diabetes.
- Premature rupture of membranes. This happens when your water breaks, but you do not experience any contractions.
- Uterus infection, like chorioamnionitis.
Braxton Hicks Contractions Vs. True Labour Contractions
Braxton Hicks contractions are often mistaken for true labour. Knowing the difference can help you decide when to go to the hospital. The table below can help guide you:| Braxton Hicks Contractions | True Labour Contractions |
| Irregular and sporadic | Regular, stronger, and predictable |
| Last 30 seconds to 2 minutes | Last 30 to 70 seconds |
| Mild to moderate in intensity | Strong, increasingly intense, and painful |
| Felt in the front of the abdomen | Felt in lower back and spread to the abdomen |
| May stop with rest or movement | Continue regardless of rest or movement |
| No cervical dilation or effacement | Cause progressive cervical dilation and effacement |
Coping with Labour
Labour can be intense, which is why it’s important to know how to manage contractions. A few methods are:- Hydrotherapy: Taking a warm water shower directed at the lower back or abdomen can reduce contraction pain.
- Massage: Light massage on the shoulders, back, or feet can release endorphins and reduce tension.
- Pain relief options: Acupuncture or acupressure may help with the pain. Pharmacological options include opioids and epidurals, which your doctor will prescribe if necessary.
- Emotional support: Receiving support from your partner can reduce your stress and anxiety. You can also repeat positive affirmations to help calm yourself.
Labour Positions
- Upright positions: It includes standing, walking, and leaning forward. These are very effective for managing labour by using gravity to help the baby move down.
- Side-lying: Lie on one side with a pillow under the head and between the knees. This position reduces pressure on your perineum, tailbone, and lower back.
- Squatting: Squat with your feet apart, knees bent, and back straight. Squatting widens the pelvic outlet by 20 to 30 per cent.
- On all fours: Position yourself on all fours on a mat or the floor. It opens the pelvis and reduces pressure on the spine and perineum.
FAQs
- What are the key signs that labour is starting?Signs of labour include regular contractions and water breaking.
- How can I prepare my body for labour?You can prepare your body through exercises like Kegels, regular walking, practising breathing techniques, and perineal massage.