As you excitedly await your baby’s arrival, you may also feel a little anxious about labor and when your newborn is set to arrive. After all, you’d probably like to feel prepared. Here are some warning signs to help you determine if labor is approaching.
Labor Is Days Or Weeks Away
If you are breathing easier, this can be a sign that your baby is descending lower into the birth canal. This could also result in more pelvic pressure. Your weight gain may also be slowing down as your baby approaches its full size. Mild cramps and Braxton Hicks contractions (false alarms) are other clear signs to look out for.
Labor Is Fast Approaching
The most surefire sign that you are going into labor is if your water breaks. Still, in some cases, labor may already be underway when your water breaks, particularly if you already started feeling contractions. Also, if your back is hurting far more than normal, this could be a sign that your baby is head down and facing forward, with its head pushing against your spine.
How To Cope During Early Labor
Given that you’re not yet ready to give birth, early labor can be a frustrating time which you simply have to cope through. Draw yourself a warm bath as this will help you to relax and shorten your labors. Also, the American Society of Anesthesiologists recommends that you make sure to drink plenty of water, particularly given the hard work that your body does during labor.