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- Signs of Labor -
Lightening/Engagement:
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- When It Occurs: Usually two to four weeks before labor, but can happen during labor.
- What Happens: Baby drops or settle into pelvis.
- What Mom Notices: Less pressure on stomach and lungs, more pressure on bladder
- What To Do: Wait for more signs of labor.
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Nesting:
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- When It Occurs: A day or two before labor.
- What Happens: Impulse to clean or rearrange her "nest."
- What Mom Notices: Sudden burst of energy.
- What To Do: Be careful not to become overtired.
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Show:
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- When It Occurs: From hours up to a week before labor.
- What Happens: Plug of mucus filling opening of cervix is released, as cervix begins to thing and open.
- What Mom Notices: Blood tinged mucus plug.
- What To Do: Pack, stay well rested and be ready for when labor begins.
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Flu-Like Symptoms:
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- When It Occurs: From hours to days before labor.
- What Happens: Nature's way of cleaning out to make way for baby
- What Mom Notices: Diarrhea, nausea, or mild cramps.
- What To Do: Rest, drink fluids, prepare for labor.
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Backache:
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- When It Occurs: Onset of labor and/or during labor.
- What Happens: Contracting uterus pulls on lower back.
- What Mom Notices: Intermittent backache in time with uterine contractions.
- What To Do: Relax, cold packs, heat (bath or shower), massage, positioning.
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Rupture of membranes:
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- When It Occurs: May occur anytime from onset of labor to birth.
- What Happens: Tear in amniotic sac causes fluid to leak out.
- What Mom Notices: Dampness or trickle of water to gush of fluid.
- What To Do: Call caregiver to report color, odor, amount and at what time. Wear a pad or diaper to catch the leaks.
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Contractions:
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- When It Occurs: May occur anytime.
- What Happens: Uterine muscles tighten.
- What Mom Notices: Weak to strong pressure or pain.
- What To Do: Decide if true or false; term or preterm.
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Determining false labor from true labor:
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False Labor:
- Contractions generally tighten only portions of the uterus, rarely with back pressure.
- Usually of short duration (15-45 seconds).
- Do not increase in intensity.
- May not become closer together.
- Usually irregular in occurence.
- Changing activity or position may make them stop.
- Walking does not make them stronger.
True Labor:
- Contractions generally tighen entire uterus and may be felt as back pressure or in low abdomen.
- Duration becomes progressively longer (up to 60 sec.).
- Become progressively stronger in intensity.
- Become closer together.
- Most often become regular in occurance.
- Changing activity or position does not make them stop.
- Walking may make them stronger.
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