Pregnancy Labor

A lot of women say that giving birth is a painful experience that they have to go through, yet almost all agree that it is also the most wonderful experience of their lives.

Giving birth without some degree of pain is quite impossible, but knowing what you are going to expect and knowing that this is an experience that is worthwhile can ultimately lessen the degree of pain.

True contractions are the early signs of labor. During this time the pain is more in the back rather than in the abdomen. There is also a sudden lightening feeling that can be felt in the expectant mothers breathing. This is because the baby is now in a lower position in preparation of birth.

Another sign of labor is when there is a pink mucus discharge from the vagina. This discharge is the mucous plug that seals the cervix.

An expectant woman may also experience a sudden burst of energy during this time; some even get to do some household chores. But what they should be doing during this time is to prepare everything they will need for the actual labor that may happen days or weeks after these signs appear.

The last sign to look out for is the sign telling it is time to deliver the baby. The ultimate sign is when the membranes of the mother ruptures. The name for this is called water break. The baby gives a strong pressure during this time to the amniotic sac, and then a colorless and odorless liquid will suddenly gush out of the vagina. When this happens immediate attention of the health care worker is needed. Infection may happen if this is not immediately taken care of. After this, contractions will be more frequent and the pain may grow in intensity until the baby's delivery.

More about pregnancy labor.