Updates to headline, sources, and new Ask Heidi video added.
Every birth is different, so its hard to predict the answers to all those questions.
What is labor?
Your muscles and joints are stretching and shifting in preparation for birth.
).Though annoying, its completely normal.
Just be sure to stay hydrated and take heart in the fact that this is a good sign.
Weight gain stops
Pregnancy weight gainoften levels off at the very end.
Some moms-to-be even lose a couple of pounds.
This is normal and wont affect your babys birth weight.
Just try not to overdo it!
Lightning crotch
Lightning crotchstrikes many moms-to-be toward the end of pregnancy, as their due date nears.
When this happens, it may come out in one large piece or lots of little ones.
Some women dont notice losing it, though, and others dont lose it at all before delivery.
This usually occurs in active labor, but it can also happen in early labor.
If you have questions, check in with your doctor.
You may also feel nauseated.
In the movies, water breaking is a sign of early labor.
Signs of preterm labor
Preterm laboris when labor occurs beforeweek 37.
Change in vaginal discharge
There may be bloody vaginal discharge in your underwear or vaginal bleeding.
You may feel abdominal cramps or menstrual-like cramps that may be accompanied by diarrhea.
Back pain
A constant, dull backache is a possible sign of labor.
When yourwater breaks, it can feel like a gush of liquid or a slow trickle.
If youre experiencing any of these symptoms and you havent yet reached your 37th week, call your practitioner.
Am I going into labor?
Should I call the doctor?
Still feel like you wont know when to announce Its time!
and get ready to meet your baby?
Try not to stress about it.
“Call me when theyre coming about five minutes apart for at least an hour”).
If you aren’t sure if youre actuallyin labor, get on the phone.
Your provider can explain whats going on and have you come in if there’s any uncertainty.
You shouldalwayscall your doctor or midwife if:
Can I be in labor and not know it?
Every labor, like every pregnancy, is different.
Will you know labor when you feel it?
Will those contractions tell you what you better know?
Chances are, yes.
If youre not sure, youre probably not in labor, says Dr. Smith.
Still get it checked out.
