Signs of Labor Unit 3 Chapter 11
Journal
Bell Ringer March 28, 2011 What do you think labor will be like?
Signs of Labor How do you know when a baby is about to be born? Labor: Process of giving birth
Signs Lightening Effacement Dilate The baby drops lower into the pelvis Can happen a few weeks or right before Effacement Cervix, or lower part of the uterus becomes thinner Last few weeks Dilate Widening of the cervix Doctor will notice during check ups
Signs The “show” Water breaking Contractions Pinkish discharge Loosening of the mucus plug that seals the cervix Water breaking Amniotic sac ruptures Most of the time labor starts without the water breaking Contractions Tightening of the uterus muscles followed by a relaxation of the muscles video
False Labor Braxton Hicks Contractions How do you tell the difference? Mild and painless contractions False labor contractions How do you tell the difference? Irregular False labor contractions do not become stronger or more frequent Contractions stop if you walk around or shift position Begin in the lower abdomen video