Signs of labour pains

Things you need to know

Labour effects every woman differently
Some women experience labour before the estimated 37 weeks of pregnancy
Labour pains are either natural or induced

Labour is the process when your body begins to prepare for childbirth and experiences contractions.

Labour pains affect every woman in a unique manner. Watch out for the following symptoms of labour:

Frequent and strong contractions
A blood-stained, mucus-like vaginal discharge called the ‘show’
Pain in the abdomen and lower back
Water breaking
Cervix begins to dilate
Abdominal period-like cramps
Loose-feeling joints
Diarrhoea
Weight gain stops
Increased fatigue

Tips to cope with labour pains

While in the early stages of labour, your obstetrician will help you cope with labour pains. There are several methods you can apply to help deal with this intense pain. Common techniques include:

Walking
Acupuncture
Massage

Stages of labour

The process of labour is divided primarily into 4 stages-

Dilation of cervix
Childbirth
Delivery of placenta
Recovery

FAQs

The most common early signs of labour include strong and frequent contractions and pain in your lower belly and lower back pain.

Every woman experiences labour in a different manner. Some women experience silent labour meaning they do not realise that they are in labour until the last minute of labour. It is because of painless contractions.

In some women, babies move more quickly before labour. However, it is not a common sign.