Knowing the Signs of Labor

Pregnancy and signs of labor can create a lot of confusion. Many a times a woman is not even aware that she is in labor. There are very few signs of labor. A woman might experience only one or two out of these. Sometimes, she may experience all of them. Given below are few signs of labor that will start or come soon.1. There is plugging of the cervix with thick pieces of mucus. This helps in giving protection to the baby during times of pregnancy. The entrance to the uterus is blocked. As the cervix dilates and changes, some part of the mucus is released. How much mucus is seen will depend on the speed of the occurrences of changes. Sometimes, a woman might notice a sudden increase in the discharge. Sometimes, a whole plug can be noticed at ones. Thus, these signs are helpful in knowing whether a woman is suffering from labor or not.2. The bloody show is brown, red tinged or pink mucus that a woman can find while wiping or while going to the bathroom. Sometimes, it can be found on the underwear or the sanitary pad. This is the sign that there are dilations and changes in the cervix. This may move forward or thin while preparing for labor. However, a woman should not be fooled. These things are found during a vaginal exam in late pregnancy or during sex as well. However, both these things are not the same. There is a variation from hours to weeks.3. Loose stools can also be caused. Mainly, the release of prostaglandins causes these loose stools. This can also cause cervical softening or cervical effacement. Diarrhea or soft tools can also be caused.  Usually this is a matter of several hours or days.4. Contractions are also one of the important aspect of pregnancy and signs of labor. This helps the cervix in opening and dilating for the baby to be born. Contractions will be seen by many women even during the end of their pregnancy. However, the difference between pre labor and labor contractions are their intensity, frequency and their strength. Labor contractions will get longer, closer and stronger together. 5. Back ache will surely come and go and this is an important sign of labor. Usually, the contractions are real if they are in the back. If the back ache changes or becomes constant, back labor may be experienced. The position of the baby usually causes it. Thus, it is important to know about pregnancy and signs of labor.