The last weeks of pregnancy, the wait, for many, is almost unbearable – especially if you have passed the famous expected date of delivery. Here are some signs that tell you that your baby and your body are working… and the birth is coming!
From the outset, Karina Daigle, nurse in specialized perinatal care and assistant professor in the department of nursing sciences at the Université du Québec en Outaouais, mentions that no sign, beyond any doubt, can indicate that a woman will give birth soon. "There are signs that you're in labor, but you can never be 100% sure when you're going to give birth," she explains.
The nurse points out that some women are so stressed not knowing when they will give birth that it sometimes leads to medical interventions that interfere with the natural work of the body and of the baby. “Waiting is part of the birth process. When the body and the baby are ready, the delivery is much easier. The detachment of the membranes (the famous stripping) and inductionsdisrupt the natural rhythm of work. Women need to learn to trust their body and their baby, to be aware of the changes in their body and to see these small changes as the big moment is approaching,” she stresses.
Here are the signs that tell you that baby is starting to descend and that, believe it or not, you will soon be holding him in your arms.
Loss of mucous plug
The mucus plug is, as the name suggests, thick mucus that seals the inside of the cervix during pregnancy. When the cervix begins to fade and dilate, the plug “falls out”. It looks like thick gelatin, sometimes tinted pink or brown due to the small blood vessels that break when it comes off.
The loss of the mucous plug can happen gradually, so some women will never realize that they have lost it. For those who realize this, it can happen weeks, days, hours before work… and even, sometimes, during work!
The feeling of relief
As baby begins to descend, it takes up less space in the rib cage. This movement will make you feel a sense of relief and allow you to breathe easier.
Good to know…
“How many women scrutinize, day after day, every little signthat could warn them that it is for tonight or soon. Certain signs, it is true, can announce that thework is imminent. But do not forget that many women go into labor without ever having recognized a single one! - Excerpts from the book A happy birthby Isabelle Brabant, published by Éditions Fides, 2013, page 200
The slowing of fetal movements
As the pregnancy ends, it becomes more and more difficult for your baby to move. The space becomes restricted for this little human being already fully formed. If he moves less and less, still make sure you feel his movements at least 4 to 6 times a day.
A change at the intestinal level
As you approach childbirth, you may feel like your bowels are being stimulated. Indeed, many women have a bowel movement more frequently when the big day is imminent and the stools are sometimes more liquid. This change is caused by prostaglandin, a hormone with a mild laxative effect.
Beyond these few signs, don't forget the watchword: patience. As the saying goes: everything comes at the right time to those who know how to wait!
