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CHANGES IN YOUR BODY
As your due date quickly approaches,
you will notice many changes in your
body. Here is a list of things that may
happen before your labor starts.
Lightening – feeling the baby
drop. With your first baby, this
usually occurs 2-3 days before
your due date. After it occurs, you
might experience frequent
urination, pelvic pressure, or
increased swelling or cramps in
your legs, often in one leg more
than the other.
Engagement - when the baby
settles into the pelvis (around 2-3
weeks before the due date in a
woman with her first pregnancy).
Vaginal secretions/discharge
increase in amount.
Loss of weight may occur.
Loss of mucus plug.
Bloody show may be noted.
The cervix becomes soft and
effaced (thin).
Persistent backache is common.
False labor pains happen at
variable frequency.
You may have an energy spurt
24-48 hours before the onset of
labor.
DETERMINING START OF LABOR
The following is a list comparing
symptoms of true and false labor.
TRUE LABOR
Contractions occur at regular
intervals.
Contractions come more
frequently.
As labor proceeds, contractions
increase in strength and duration.
Contractions get stronger with
walking.
Bloody show appears.
Cervix becomes effaced (thin)
and dilated.
Contractions usually felt radiating
to uterus from the back.
FALSE LABOR
Contractions occur at irregular
intervals.
Contractions are usually further
apart.
Contractions do not get stronger.
Walking has no effect on false
labor or sometimes relieves
contractions.
No bloody show.
Cervix usually not effaced and is
closed.
Contractions usually felt in lower
abdomen or groin.
True labor may start as contractions
which are irregular and short in duration.
but then become regular with increasing
frequency, duration and intensity.
DECISIONS THAT SHOULD
ALREADY BE MADE
How will you get to the hospital ?
Who will look after your other
children while you're in the
hospital ?
How are you going to feed your
baby -- Breast or Bottle ?
Do you desire a circumcision for
your baby if a boy ?
Who will be your pediatrician ?
What will be your plan for birth
control after the birth of your
baby?
Pam Hard Drive:Users:pamalaplumadore:Desktop:9THMOPRE.WPD.doc Rev: 6/08
HELPFUL SUGGESTIONS
Things you can do at home in early labor:
Soak in a tub of warm water that
covers your abdomen or take a
shower.
Drink warm fluids that may help
relax you (herbal teas, hot
chocolate, decaf coffee).
Drink plenty of fluids (8-10
glasses every day) to stay well
hydrated.
Try using a heating pad, hot water
bottle or warm pack to your lower
abdomen or back for cramping or
backache.
Have someone give you a back
rub or massage.
Eat lightly.
Take walks.
Rest if you are tired, sleep when
you can.
Call us with questions or
concerns.
WHEN TO CALL
It is not necessary to go to the hospital
immediately when labor begins. It is best
to remain at home during the early stages.
Therefore, if you think you are in labor,
please call the midwife before you go to
the hospital. She will talk with you to
decide the best time to go to the hospital,
and will be able to meet you when you
arrive.
AS A GUIDE CALL WHEN:
The contractions are coming
every five minutes ( the beginning
of one contraction to the
beginning of the next
contraction), lasting around 60
seconds for one hour, and you are
having to breathe through the
contractions
If you have any bright red vaginal
bleeding
If your membranes (bag of water)
break
If there is a decrease in the baby's
movements.
WHERE TO GO
Go to the information desk in the main
lobby and take the elevators that are left
of the information desk. Go to the 3
rd
floor and go left to the Family Maternity
Center. A receptionist will be straight
ahead of you to help you find your way.
HOW TO REACH US
Phone numbers:
Midwifery Group: 275-7892
RAMP: 275-2962
Answering Exchange 258-4970
WHAT TO EXPECT
IN THE
9TH MONTH
OF YOUR PREGNANCY
