Labour – the day that every woman waits for and dreads at the same time. There are certain characteristics changes in the body that happens when a woman is nearing labour. But these changes can be different in all women as every pregnancy is different. The signs of normal delivery can start as early as 3 weeks from your due date.

There is no exact way of telling when a woman will go into labour for a normal delivery, but some signs of normal delivery are common.

Signs Of Normal Delivery

#1. The baby drops down

This means that the baby will start to descend into your pelvis. This happens a few weeks before your actual due date. For a normal delivery ideally the baby comes head down or cephalic position and is now ready to exit your womb.

#2. Urge to urinate

You will start taking more frequent bathroom breaks and your pelvis feels really heavy. This makes you waddle and walk. Your baby now moves away from your lungs and you will have better breathing.

Also read: Safe And Easy Exercises For Normal Delivery

#3. Lower back pains

Since the baby now descends downwards, you will experience a lower back pain. The baby now starts putting pressure on your lower pelvic region which puts pressure on your back.

#4. Increased vaginal discharge

Pressure from the baby’s head causes the mucus plug to be expressed from the vagina. Thick mucus produced by the cervical glands normally keeps the cervical opening closed during pregnancy. So when there is an increase in vaginal discharge, it means you are ready for a normal delivery. This discharge can be white, pink or sometimes even a bit bloodstained. This is a sign of normal delivery but should be immediately taken to your GP. Some women do not experience this till the time of actual labour and childbirth.

#5. Diarrhea

The hormones are now creating a havoc in your body and you may experience little painful and more bowel movements. There might be some cramps and discomfort due to this but it is nothing to be worried about. Your body is preparing for a normal delivery.

#6. Dilation of cervix

This is usually detected by your healthcare practitioner when you do go for a check up. The dilation of cervix indicates how far down your baby is. This begins days and even a few weeks before your actual labour. A fully dilated means that your cervix has dilated to a width of 10 cm and now your baby is ready to be pushed out.

Also read: C section versus Natural Delivery – Risks and Benefits

#7. Thinning of cervix

This is also detected by your health practitioner when they do an internal check up. When the cervix starts to thin, it means that your body is ready for dilation. A thin cervix dilates easily and prepares your body for normal delivery.

#8. Contractions

These are similar to menstrual cramps but they start becoming more frequent and intense. Contractions need to be times and need to tighten and be more strong each time. Sometimes, during the last phase of pregnancy, there might be irregular contraction, but these may be a sign of false labour known as the ‘Braxton Hicks’ contractions.

#9. Your water breaks

This is the sure sign that your labour is going to begin and you are ready for a normal delivery. Breaking of water bag is the rupture of amniotic membranes, which is a sign that labour has begun. It is sometimes confused with urine but it is typically colourless and odourless.

#10. Soreness of breasts

This is usually an indication that you will have a normal delivery. As you reach your due dates, your breasts will start to feel heavy and extremely sore making you feel uncomfortable.

Also read: Different Types Of Birth Positions & How To Correct Them For Delivery

Normal delivery is the natural process of birth. Though these signs of normal delivery are the symptoms which tell you that your body is ready to have a normal birth, but sometimes in certain cases, due to emergency situations, you might have to be taken for a C-section delivery.

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