Signs you are ready for your baby

Misinterpreting the signs of an early labor is a very common thing, just like every other detail in this journey, every woman will experience labor in her own way. This is why Dettol Professionals have compiled a list of signs that are the most common to all mommies:

1. Water Breaking: Few women have ever reported an explosion of the amniotic sac (the sac of fluid that surrounds your fetus) before the start of contractions. But what you might experience is a small leak since your baby’s head is keeping fluids from seeping out. And once that happens, labor might follow in the next 12 hours.
2. Real Contractions: the pain accompanying contractions gradually increases in strength and frequency. If you’re experiencing them and then they become more pronounced, it means that your labor is near.
3. Feeling Lighter: You’ll wake up feeling light, as though you can breathe easily once again, but with frequent visits to the toilet because your baby is now pressuring your bladder. What this all means is that your little one has now settled deeper in your womb, getting ready to arrive!
4. Secretions: During pregnancy, the cervix fills up with a thick mucus to prevent bacteria from entering the uterus and to protect your baby from infections. When the cervix matures, this layer will move and you may notice a thick jelly-like discharge that’s pink or red. This will signal an impending labor but within a few days.
5. Diarrhea: Your body will secrete a collection of hormones that would cause uterine contractions during early labors. These will soften and expand your cervix but could also activate your intestines, causing frequent defecation or even diarrhea.
6. Back Pain: Your back will hurt you for months, but scalding pains indicate you’re nearing your labor. This happens when a baby’s posture on their way out is causing their skull to press their mother’s spine.

So when should you call your doctor?

• When your contractions steadily reoccur every five minutes for an hour.
• When your water breaks.
• If you’re bleeding
• If you feel that your baby is not moving like they used to before.