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Once you near the end of your pregnancy, you start to fret about your delivery. Many women tend to ignore their feelings because their due date may be weeks away. But you must remember that the due date is not cast in iron. It can change because of many reasons. Therefore, it is better to be acquainted with the facts of going into labour and what it involves.
During the last few months of pregnancy, occasional and sometimes painful contractions are common. You may experience a sensation that your uterus is tightening and relaxing. This is nothing to worry about. Such contractions are known as Braxton Hicks contractions.
The early signs of labour are subtle and you need to be alert to any changes. Initially, you may feel a little uncomfortable and have irregular contractions that are not very painful. This happens because the lower part of your uterus called the cervix softens, shortens and thins. Your cervix will also gradually open up or dilate very slowly. You may also notice an increase in vaginal discharge that is clear, pink or slightly bloody. In fact, this may happen even days before you go into active labour. You need to contact your doctor immediately if there is heavy bleeding as this could be a sign of some complication. Around this time, your baby's head will settle deep into your pelvis. You may notice a change in the shape of your abdomen. This change can happen anywhere from a few weeks to a few hours before labor begins.
Your active labour starts with the rupture of the amniotic sac. This is your water breaking. At this time, you will experience a trickle of watery fluid from your vagina, which may sometimes also be a gush of fluid. This is when you need your doctor because now you are about to go into labour. If labour does not start immediately, it increases risk of infection for both you and your baby. So, your doctor may have to induce labour.
It is important to know the signs of false alarm. This will save you a lot of stress and tension. Here are a few signs of false alarms.