By the third trimester of pregnancy, you’ve likely experienced exciting and unwelcome changes to your body. Good news! You’re in the home stretch and your baby will be here shortly. Here are the signs and symptoms that happen in the weeks before you go into labor. Get ready because things can move swiftly!
Now is a great time to ask your pregnancy care provider when you should go to the hospital or birth center. If in doubt, call them and be sure to notify your doula when you’re headed out to give birth.
Lightening
Toward the end of your pregnancy, your baby may move down into the top part of your pelvis. It’s called ‘lightening’ because their movement places more pressure on your pelvic area, but your baby doesn’t feel like they’re trapped in your rib cage anymore.
Yes, you’ll feel lighter and can breathe a little easier. There’s no need to worry, your baby’s still growing, they’re just getting into position for birth. Take your time while doing daily activities and add more rest breaks, such as elevating your feet during the day.
Losing Your Mucous Plug
What fun! Your cervix has to open to a whopping 10 centimeters to give birth to your baby. Your cervix begins preparing by effacing (thinning) and dilating (opening). As your cervix changes, you may lose the mucous plug that protected the baby from bacteria. You may notice a bloody show of mucous when you wipe yourself in the restroom. It’ll look similar to when you blow your nose when you have a cold, except with a few bloody streaks.
You shouldn’t see more than a small spoon of blood. If you do, call your pregnancy care provider. It’s normal to pass the mucous plug all at once or in small amounts over several days. This can happen up to 2 weeks before you go into labor.
Braxton-Hicks Contractions
Braxton-Hicks contractions are your body’s practice contractions before true labor. They ease you into the sensation of contractions but aren’t yet strong enough to thin and open your cervix for birth like true labor contractions do.
Braxton-Hicks contractions can start as early as your 2nd trimester but are more likely during your 3rd trimester. They occur when the muscles in your uterus tighten for about 30-60 seconds or sometimes as long as two minutes.
A few situations that may cause you to feel Braxton Hicks contractions include:
- Your baby is highly active
- Your bladder is full
- You’ve had sexual intercourse
- You’re dehydrated and need to drink water
You’ll know Braxton-Hicks aren’t real contractions by a test of three phrases:
- Strong
- Long, and
- Close together
True labor contractions will get stronger in intensity over several hours. You won’t be able to relax no matter what you do (walking, lying down, changing positions, etc.). Real contractions also last longer in duration over time.
True Labor Contractions
In the beginning, the contractions last 20-30 seconds but shift to 60-80 seconds. Your labor contractions will then increase in frequency, becoming closer together. Frequency is timed from the beginning of one contraction to the beginning of the next one, similar to a wave.
Other signs that Braxton Hicks aren’t true labor contractions:
- No loss of the mucous plug
- Irregular contractions, no consistent timing between contractions
- Contractions stop when you walk, eat, lie down
- No cervical changes
Water Breaks
If you feel a release of fluid, like a gush or a trickle, it could be your bag of waters breaking. Don’t be alarmed, this is a sign that labor may escalate soon, and you may have an exciting story to tell of how it happened!
Take note of the color and smell of the fluid and the time it occurred. Share these details with your provider. Get a mattress pad for your bed in case your water breaks overnight. If your water breaks on its own, don’t put anything inside the vagina; this helps keep the risk of infection down.
Nesting/Burst of Sudden Energy
Nesting happens within the last few weeks before you have your baby. You’ll be excited to clean up (and maybe for the last time) as you prepare for the arrival of your new bundle of joy. Move carefully or you may kickstart your true labor contractions!
Tips for nesting:
- Ensure your partner has installed the car seat and that it’s secure
- Clean the bassinet/crib; put a fitted sheet on the mattress
- Wash all newborn clothes
- Double check you and baby’s birth bags for the hospital
- Have copies of important documents like insurance cards, advance directive, birth plan/preferences
Check clothes:
- Pack your nursing bra and a return home outfit
- Choose clothes that are loose fitting and comfortable
- Bring a couple of outfits for baby (and for newborn photos)
- Pack a receiving blanket to place over baby in their car seat if you anticipate rain or cold weather
As much as you can, enjoy the last few weeks of pregnancy as you glow with excitement! New adventures await once baby arrives!
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