15 Signs of Labor: What to Watch For?
Behind the excitement, it is undeniable that there is bound to be some anxiety, especially for mothers giving birth for the first time. Therefore, it is important for you to recognize the signs of labor. That way, you can be better prepared mentally and physically.
What are the signs that labor is near? Pay close attention, here are 15 signs that labor is approaching!
1. Experiencing Mild Contractions

The first sign of labor you might feel is frequent mild contractions or Braxton Hicks. Often referred to as false contractions, these will start to feel more intense in the last trimester of pregnancy, as you get closer to your due date.[1]
2. Diarrhea

As labor approaches, diarrhea often occurs. This is because the body produces prostaglandins, which are responsible for starting the labor process and can cause stools to become looser.
3. Easier Breathing

The baby's position dropping lower as the birth time nears will allow the mother-to-be to breathe more easily. If the baby’s previous position often put pressure on the respiratory muscles causing shortness of breath, the baby’s position as it prepares to exit will provide more space for the mother to breathe more comfortably.
4. Lower Back Pain

Back pain during pregnancy is indeed common. However, as the time of labor draws near, pain in the back, especially around the tailbone, will feel more intense.
You will feel this pain because of the baby's position being ready to exit, namely the occiput posterior position, where the baby's head is facing downward.[2]
5. Mood Swings

In addition to physical signs, signs of labor will also be visible from the mother's unpredictable mood. Hormonal changes leading up to birth will make expectant mothers impatient, easily agitated, and prone to anxiety.[3]
6. Nausea

Nausea and vomiting can be one of the signals that labor is at the doorstep. Some mothers-to-be may start feeling nauseous a day before labor begins, while others feel it just as the active phase of labor starts.
7. Sharp Pain in the Groin Area

As the baby begins to prepare for birth, its position will put more pressure on the pelvis and nerves in the lower part of the uterus. This pressure can cause sharp pain in the groin area, as if there is strong pushing there.
8. Feeling Tired

Feeling extremely tired at the end of the third trimester can be a sign that the time of labor is almost here.
This fatigue may arise due to various factors, such as drastic hormonal changes or the rapid growth of the baby in the womb, which requires more energy from the mother.
9. Increased Urination Frequency

The baby's descending position puts additional pressure on the pelvis and bladder, so you will notice an increased frequency of urination.
10. Difficulty Sleeping

Insomnia in the third trimester of pregnancy as labor approaches is a quite common phenomenon, with a prevalence of 42.4%.[4] Physiological changes such as the baby's growth, increased frequency of urination, and physical discomfort are the main factors.
11. Sudden Burst of Energy

If the time of birth is quite close, a sign that birth is just days away that you might feel is suddenly feeling physically energized. Generally, this happens one or two days before labor.[5]
It feels like there is a strong urge to be active, such as cleaning the house or preparing a hospital bag. This is a natural sign of the body preparing to welcome the little one.
12. Joints Feeling Looser

As labor approaches, the body naturally loosens muscles and ligaments in the pelvic area, a natural preparation the body does to facilitate the birth process.
13. Mucus Discharge Accompanied by Blood Spots

When approaching birth, the lower part of the uterus begins to dilate, soften, and thin out slowly. This condition is usually marked by the discharge of mucus accompanied by blood spots that are bright red to brownish red.
14. No Further Weight Gain

Towards the end of pregnancy, you may realize that weight gain is no longer as rapid. This is likely due to the baby's growth having reached its maximum limit, so your body is no longer gaining weight with the same intensity.
15. Water Breaking

The most obvious sign of impending labor is water breaking. When this happens, you can be sure that the labor process will occur within one to two days.[6]
Leading up to delivery, it is important to make preparations, including understanding the signs of labor. However, one thing that is just as important is preparing postnatal care for the mother. One practical and effective way to do this is by using Sido Muncul Herbal Sehat Bersalin Lengkap.
This product consists of various quality herbal products to optimize the mother's health condition after giving birth. Sido Muncul Herbal Sehat Bersalin Lengkap not only supports breastfeeding but also helps restore the body's shape and keeps the mother's skin healthy and fresh.
Note the signs of labor above and don't forget to prepare yourself with Sido Muncul Herbal Sehat Bersalin Lengkap, because your health is the beginning of your little one's health.
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