Identify Symptoms of Labor Pain

It is very essential for women to identify symptoms of labor to take necessary action during time of labor pain. Symptoms may vary in different women.

Some common symptoms for labor pain

• Water Breaking
• Tightening of abdomen
• Passing of the mucus plug
• Cramping, abdominal pain, lower back pain
• Settling of baby in the pelvis
• Opening of the cervix
• Thinning of the cervix (Cervical effacement)
• Baby movement becomes less
• Vaginal Bleeding
• Mild fever or headaches
• Regular contractions 

Some FAQs

What to do when the water breaks?

The water is the amniotic fluid which will either be clear in color or have a light yellow shade. Risk of infection gets higher if it's more than 24 hours that your water broke. If you find dark or green color smelly fluid, you should contact your doctor immediately.

What is labor Contraction?

At the time of contractions your abdomen gets hard. During contractions your uterus relaxes and the abdomen gets soft. Labor Contractions cause anxiety or sometimes back pain or lower abdomen pain with pressure in the pelvis. Movement of contractions is like a wave from the top to the bottom of the uterus. Sometimes it feels like heavy menstrual cramps. 

How to get relief from Labor Pain?

During initial stage of labor, which is called the Latent Phase, you can get more comfort at home. In this period, waking, watching movie, taking warm bath or some massage can help you reduce pain. Try to sleep if you can.

At what interval contractions occur?

Contractions may occur at regular intervals and continue for 30 to 70 seconds. This period increases with time. During false labor it is irregular and do not get closer together. True labor is usually differentiated by strong contractions that last 45-60 seconds and occurs three to four minutes at a distance.

What will happen if I have contractions but not labor?

It is possible. During labor your cervix gets thinner [cervix effacement]. Many women can feel sense of contractions. Your nurse or midwife can predict whether the cervical changes have started or not. In case of a posterior position of your baby in which baby’s head is down, but back to your back, it takes a long time to get right position and your contractions may be variable and low in intensity. Sometimes you may find backache problems. You can get relief by doing some massage.

How can you judge true labor or momentary labor?

At some period you feel false labor pain also known as Braxton Hicks contractions, which is not regular. Such irregular uterine contractions are absolutely normal. It may start occurring in third trimester. In this way your body gets prepared for true labor pain.

Labor pain is a natural process and you shouldn't fear. Emotional or Psychological phobia can cause increase in your pain. Contact your consultant gynecologist immediately if your labor pain occurs persistently.

Calculate Your Due Date