• 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

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

The process of labour is divided primarily into 4 stages- 

• Dilation of cervix
• Childbirth 
• Delivery of placenta 
• Recovery