PRETERM LABOR Pregnancy and Signs of Labor If you are pregnant, one of your first concerns might be what labor and delivery are like. This information will help answer the most common questions about labor, especially if this is your first pregnancy. For detailed information on delivery, see Methods of Delivery. Signs of Labor Some women experience very distinct signs of labor, while others do not. No one knows what causes labor to start or when it will start, but several hormonal and physical changes may indicate the beginning of labor: Lightening Passing of the mucus plug Contractions Water breaking Effacement and dilation of the cervix Lightening During Labor The process of your baby settling or lowering into your pelvis just before labor is called lightening. Lightening can occur a few weeks or a few hours before labor. Because the uterus rests on the bladder more after lightening, you may feel the need to urinate more frequently. Passing of the Mucus Plug The mucus plug accumulates at the cervix during pregnancy. When the cervix begins to open wider, the mucus is discharged into the vagina and may be clear, pink, or slightly bloody. Labor may begin soon after the mucus plug is discharged or one to two weeks later. Page 1 of 6 WebMD Medical Reference
Posted on: Fri, 31 Oct 2014 06:45:04 +0000
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