Signs of Labor
Baby Movement Around month 8 or 9, the babies head will drop into the woman’s pelvis
Effacement Effacing Cervix starts out 4 cm long Cervix softening or thinning Cervix starts out 4 cm long 50% effaced = 2 cm long Must be 100% effaced or thinned out before delivery
Dilation Opening of the cervix Some women may be dilated 2-3 cm months before labor Must be 10 cm for baby to come out
Bloody Show During pregnancy, a thick mucus plug blocks cervix to prevent bacteria from entering uterus When the cervix begins to thin, the mucus falls out Typically brown Sign of labor, but still may be days or weeks away
Nesting Sudden urge to plan and clean for babies arrival Big surge of energy
Water Breaking Amniotic sac leaks or breaks to start out labor The longer it takes for labor to start after the water breaks, the greater the risk of infection Women must document COAT Color, odor, appearance, time
Contractions Are contractions regular? How long do they last? Can you stop them? If labor is beginning, contractions become longer, stronger, and in shorter intervals.
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