Labor and Delivery:

Soon, if you are pregnant, you will discover the signs of labor and experience childbirth. When waiting for your baby with impatience, you will prepare for all the signs of labor greatly and look for any small sign that indicates that labor has begun.

So what is labor and what are its signs?

Labor, or childbirth, is the process of the baby leaving the uterus. You are in labor when you experience regular contractions that cause changes in the cervix. These contractions help the baby come out of the uterus.
Labor is the period that precedes childbirth by a little, where contractions of the uterus begin to intensify with changes in the cervix. You may feel like the baby has dropped or moved downwards. During your last visits to the obstetrician, he will tell you about many changes in the cervix that you cannot feel but that the doctor discovers through ultrasounds.
If you experience any of the following signs, you should see a doctor as soon as possible as you may have early labor. The doctor or midwife will determine the exact date necessary for delivery through examination. These signs include:
1- Contractions becoming stronger at regular intervals and becoming shorter increasingly. The contractions last about 30 to 70 seconds and are separated by about 5 to 10 minutes.
2- Back pain and cramps that do not go away when moving or changing positions.
3- Bloody mucus discharge (brown or red), which is called a bloody show. This may be the mucus plug that blocks the cervix during pregnancy, where the cervix expands and becomes thinner and more elastic. Labor can start immediately or take several days.
4- Amniotic fluid leakage (it is not always easy to know if amniotic fluid has leaked. Rupture of membranes due to fetal pressure leads to slow leakage of amniotic fluid. If you notice any amount of fluid leaking, inform your doctor immediately to confirm whether it is amniotic fluid or urine, as the bladder may be compressed due to pregnancy). Often, women enter labor shortly after the amniotic fluid leaks. Once the bag descends, there is an increased risk of infection with delayed delivery.
5- If you want to organize things in your home to prepare for your baby, you may want to do many things such as cooking meals or preparing baby clothes and the room. These things happen more often as the due date approaches.

False Labor:

Many women may notice signs of labor, especially first-time mothers, when in fact they are not in labor. These contractions, known as Braxton Hicks contractions, are common in the last few weeks of pregnancy. If you experience contractions, don't feel embarrassed about going to the hospital or doctor. There are some instructions that can help you differentiate between true labor and false contractions.
Timing is very important. Use a timer to track the start and end time of each contraction, as well as the duration of each contraction. In true labor, contractions become increasingly stronger and shorter, whereas in Braxton Hicks contractions, the intensity decreases and they are not regular.

Labor Pains:

Labor pains can be a source of fear for many pregnant women. The pain experienced during labor and delivery depends on the size and position of the baby, the size of the pelvis, emotional and pain perception factors, and the strength and frequency of contractions. There are many ways to relieve pain, including natural methods and medications prescribed by a doctor.

Induction of Labor:

Sometimes, the doctor may need to induce labor when your due date arrives and there are no signs of labor, or when there is a risk to the life of the mother or baby. Indications for inducing labor include ruptured membranes with no contractions, infection inside the uterus, Rh incompatibility between mother and baby, low amniotic fluid levels leading to complications, maternal health problems such as kidney disease or diabetes, and optional induction due to maternal discomfort or potential complications from waiting. It is not known if induced labor leads to a cesarean section or not. Discuss the benefits and risks of elective induction with your doctor.

Preterm Labor:

Preterm labor is defined as labor that begins too early, before 37 weeks of pregnancy. This can lead to health problems for the baby at birth and later in life. In fact, the longer the baby stays in the womb, the better they mature and grow. Giving birth in the eighth month is safer than the seventh month, contrary to common belief.

Signs and Symptoms of Preterm Labor:

Signs and symptoms of preterm labor include the same signs as regular labor, but they occur before 37 weeks. Some of these signs include:
1- Changes in vaginal discharge (more than usual).
2- Pressure in the pelvis or lower abdomen.
3- Abdominal cramps with or without diarrhea.
4- Regular and frequent contractions

Risk factors for preterm labor include:

1- If you have had a previous premature birth.
2- Carrying multiple pregnancies (twins, triplets, etc.).
3- Problems with the uterus or cervix.
4- Family history of preterm birth.
5- Getting pregnant again very soon after giving birth (it is best to wait at least 18 months after the first birth).
6- Connective tissue disorders such as Ehlers-Danlos syndrome.
7- Other conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, preeclampsia, intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy, conditions that increase the risk of abnormal blood clots.
8- Domestic violence and poor mental health.
9- Exposure to air pollution, lead, radiation, and chemicals.
10- Being younger than 17 or older than 35 makes you more susceptible than other women.

Risk factors for preterm labor include:

- Achieve a healthy weight before pregnancy and gain the appropriate amount of weight during pregnancy.
- Avoid smoking, alcohol, drugs, and exposure to pollutants.
- Seek treatment for chronic health conditions.
- Protect yourself from infections.
- Wait at least 18 months between birth and getting pregnant again.