Understand and interpret the sensations of labor
Every mother, if she pays attention to her body, is able to understand where she is in her labor . For this we want to list here what are the sensations that characterize the approach of the birth of the child.
Labor does not start suddenly as you may feel menstrual-like contractions in the preceding days. It’s possible to feel tired and doing things like the stairs, cleaning, walking… as grandmothers and aunts often suggest, it doesn’t help the start of labor, indeed they are completely useless activities, because they take away energy that can be used during childbirth.
Many mothers notice the loss of the mucus plug , a substance similar to egg white associated with brownish or pinkish discharge. In case of loss of the mucus plug it is not necessary to go to the hospital as the onset of labor can take place days later.
Don’t be anxious, try to live peacefully the last days before and after the presumed date of birth. To watch TV or relax, choose the classic seated yoga position, which favors the descent and correct positioning of the child. Always check that the child makes at least 10 movements throughout the day.
Unfortunately there is no single way to go into labor, contractions remain the only fundamental signal. If you lose colorless or pinkish or green/yellow liquid, it is advisable to go to the chosen birth facility. If you lose bright red blood go to the hospital immediately even if you are not having contractions. If your blood pressure rises, your ankles are swollen, if your vision is blurred, pay a visit to the ward or contact your caregiver.
The sensations of labor in the various stages
- Phase 1: PRODROMIC PERIOD (variable from a few hours to days). Feeling tired and wanting to be calm. At the same time you may also feel excited and anxious. The contractions alternate from mildly painful and irregular to strong. All of this indicates that something is changing and you are giving your body time to understand and adjust. In this phase you can take hot baths, short walks and surround yourself with serenity. Do not rush to get to the hospital. During the contractions, relax your legs, buttocks, abs and the whole body.
- Phase 2: DILATANT PHASE (ten hours on average). The contractions are regularized with an interval of 5 minutes from each other and last longer, up to a minute. Look for a position that gives you relief. You will be quieter and focused on your breath . During the first hours you may feel nauseous and vomit , so eat light foods, walk a bit and rest on your side. During the contraction try to close your eyes and make sounds like “ uuuuuh ” or “ mmmmh ”. After the first few hours you may become irritablebecause the contractions become more painful and you find it difficult to move. Look for a position that gives you relief both during the contraction and after, so that you stay focused. Ask your partner to buy you drinks often and remind you to urinate. Intense moaning, difficulty in conversing, are normal attitudes. In this central stage of labor which lasts about 4-5 hours let yourself be massaged and use warm water. Do your best while waiting for full cervical dilation.
- Phase 3: EXPULSIVE PERIOD You will be focused and feel the need to sleep. Sometimes contractions give a break. After this pause of about half an hour, the sensation of pain changes and gives way to the desire to push. This stage takes about two hours.
Kathryn Barlow is an OB/GYN doctor, which is the medical specialty that deals with the care of women's reproductive health, including pregnancy and childbirth.
Obstetricians provide care to women during pregnancy, labor, and delivery, while gynecologists focus on the health of the female reproductive system, including the ovaries, uterus, vagina, and breasts. OB/GYN doctors are trained to provide medical and surgical care for a wide range of conditions related to women's reproductive health.