As the end of pregnancy approaches, it is normal not to be able to think about much more than the moment of delivery. New mothers are often afraid of not knowing if They will be able to recognize the symptoms or signs that announce that the time to meet your baby is approaching. Even for experienced mothers it is not always easy to recognize those signs that indicate that delivery is near.
Every woman, every body, every childbirth is completely different. All women do not experience pregnancy in the same way, nor do they have the same symptoms or discomfort, although they are all very shared. That is, although there are common signs that can be detected In most cases, these are not set norms that you are bound to feel.
In any case, listen to your body and the signals it sends you, can help you recognize that it is time to give birth soon. We will tell you what those physical signals are so that you are attentive, because labor may still be long delayed, but knowing that your body is changing is important to prepare yourself mentally.
Signs of your physique that announce that labor is near
Although what science says is that pregnancy lasts 40 weeks, the reality is that it can occur normally from week 37 and last until 41 and even more. That is, delivery can occur at any time, but for it to be considered term and the baby is ready to be born safely, at least 37 weeks must elapse.
Therefore, it is not strictly necessary to wait until week 40 to notice those physical signs that indicate that labor is near, since they can begin towards the middle of the third trimester. You may expect water to break or contractions to start painful, but many deliveries begin without breaking the amniotic sac and some women enjoy a less painful delivery.
On the other hand, many other physical signs are easier to notice, because they are evidence that the body itself is preparing for childbirth. Look at your body in the mirror, listen to the signals it tells you, like the ones we tell you below.
Do you notice the harder and lower gut?
Towards the end of pregnancy, the body begins to prepare for labor and the well-known "Braxton Hicks" contractions arrive. These contractions are usually not very painful and are not constantYou may just feel your gut get harder for a few seconds. You can also observe how the gut moves slightly towards the pelvis, this happens when the baby is placed in the birth canal.
Improves breathing before delivery
During the third trimester, breathing becomes more labored, short of breath, and it is more difficult to breathe normally. This is due to the size of the baby, which forces your organs to move and contract, preventing them from working regularly. As the time of delivery approaches, the baby changes position and moves into the birth canal.
This is a relief for the lungs and stomach., so you will notice that your digestions are lighter and you can breathe normally again. Take advantage of these moments to perform breathing exercises, they will help you at the time of delivery.
Constant visits to the bathroom
This is something that you will have already noticed throughout your pregnancy, the constant urge to pee. However, towards the end of the pregnancy it will become more acute, as the bladder can barely distend. You will notice the need to go to the bathroom constantly, but most of the time you will have a pee with very little amount. It is a provoked sensation, unreal, but uncontrollable.
In addition to these physical signs that labor is near, you may notice others such as extreme fatigue that barely lets you carry out your activities normally. Difficulty sleeping at night and a insomnia that aggravates the feeling of tiredness during the day. All these signs are important, although you should not go to the hospital quickly because there may still be many days to go.
Listen to your body, prepare the bag for the hospital, connect with your baby who is about to be born and get ready for what will be the most important date of your life.