The premonitory signs of childbirth: what are the signs of the beginning of labor and what to do?

A pregnancy, whether natural or obtained after a medically assisted reproduction treatment, is not only a source of joy but also an anxious anticipation. This is especially true in the third trimester, when the woman's body is actively preparing for childbirth and there is not much time left before the baby's birth.

The phrase “I believe I am going to give birth” is familiar to many expectant mothers, particularly those expecting their first child. Excitement, confusion, and sometimes even hurried preparations for the maternity hospital are common reactions. It often happens that the time of delivery has not yet arrived, and the woman must go back home. That is why it is important to know and be able to recognize the signs of impending labor in order to react in a timely and appropriate manner.

What are the signs of impending labor?

The signs of impending labor are symptoms that appear a few weeks or days before delivery and indicate that the time of the baby's birth is approaching. They are related to physiological changes in the woman's body: reorganization of the hormone system, modification of the cervical structure, descent of the fetus into the pelvis. The first changes, which are barely perceptible, begin around the 34th or 35th week of pregnancy, while more tangible signs generally appear from the 36th week and can manifest until the 41st week.

The nature and duration of warning signs depend on many factors: whether it is a first pregnancy (primipara) or a subsequent one (multipara), specificities of pregnancy progression, whether it occurs naturally or with the help of assisted reproductive methods, fetal size, and the woman's overall health.

When do the warning signs appear?

Symptoms divide into two periods:

• 2 to 4 weeks before labor, when the body is actively preparing for the process;
• a few hours or 1 to 2 days before the onset of labor.

Main signs of impending labor

There are ten main signs indicating approaching delivery. In each woman, they can manifest in different combinations and with varying intensity.

1. Change in fetal activity. The baby's movements become more limited because there is practically no free space left in the uterus.
2. Change in the nature of vaginal discharge. The appearance of mucus, sometimes streaked with blood, signals the release of the mucus plug. Blood-tinged discharges of bright red color are a warning sign that requires immediate consultation at the maternity ward.
3. Mood swings and emotional changes. Hormonal changes increase anxiety and sensitivity.
4. Frequent need to urinate and change in stool appearance. Pressure on the bladder and intestines causes frequent urination, sometimes accompanied by diarrhea.
5. Weight fluctuations. Under the influence of hormones, weight may decrease by one kilogram.
6. Bulging of the abdomen. The uterus tones up and progressively pushes the fetus toward the pelvis.
7. Breathing becomes easier. After the descent of the fetus, pressure on the diaphragm decreases.
8. Practice contractions (Braxton-Hicks contractions). Irregular uterine contractions, often perceived as the beginning of labor, but which do not cause cervical dilation.
9. Expulsion of the mucus plug. May occur two weeks before delivery or on the very day labor begins.
10. Rupture of membranes. An indicator of imminent labor onset.

How to distinguish preparatory contractions from true contractions

False contractions differ from true contractions by their irregularity, shorter duration, and low intensity. They disappear when the body position changes. True contractions are regular, intensify, become painful, and lead to cervical dilation.

How to relieve uncomfortable sensations

Physiological methods help alleviate symptoms:

• breathing exercises;
• massage of the lower back;
• hot shower or bath;
• exercises on a fitness ball;
• Kegel exercises;
• use of an orthopedic cushion;
• relaxing walks;
• contact with the baby and a positive attitude.

Differences between warning signs during first pregnancy and subsequent pregnancies

During a first pregnancy, labor usually lasts longer and requires more physical effort. In a subsequent labor, the process is faster due to tissue elasticity and the experience gained by the body. However, if the interval between pregnancies is long or in the case of chronic illnesses, the process can also be complicated.

Differences between natural conception and FIV protocols

For women who conceive naturally, warning signs often appear gradually and correspond to the classic description: belly dropping, mucus plug loss, changes in fetal activity. In the case of pregnancy after intrauterine FIV protocols or FIV with egg donation, warning signs may have their own particularities. This is due to hormonal support, which lasts up to 10-12 weeks, and sometimes longer, influencing the perception of contractions and preparatory processes of the body.

Women who have undergone FIV report more often pronounced practice contractions and increased sensitivity to mood swings and emotional states. Moreover, in cases of multiple pregnancies after FIV, warning signs of labor can occur earlier due to increased load on the uterus and pelvic floor. Despite this, clinical manifestations remain similar, and the differences mainly lie in the intensity and timing of symptom appearance. That is why timely medical follow-up and consultations are particularly important for women who have undergone an FIV program.

How long does the prenatal period last?

For women giving birth for the first time, contractions occur every 5 minutes for half an hour; for those giving birth for the second time, they occur every 6 to 7 minutes. Labor begins when contractions become regular, intense, and repeat every 3 to 4 minutes.

Warning symptoms before childbirth

Signs that require urgent hospital admission include:

• sudden decrease or absence of fetal movements;
• greenish amniotic fluid;
• heavy bleeding;
• regular premature contractions before the 37th week;
• severe pain in case of preterm labor.

When to go to the maternity hospital

Main signs: regular contractions, water breaking, feeling of pressure in the lower abdomen and pubic area. On average, from the appearance of warning signs to the start of labor, a few hours to a day pass.

In the absence of warning signs

Sometimes, labor occurs without pronounced warning signs. If pregnancy surpasses 40 weeks, the doctor assesses fetal condition and cervical maturity. After 41 weeks, induction or cesarean section may be performed if natural labor does not start spontaneously.

Additional information on timeframes and individual particularities

Not all women show all the listed signs. Sometimes, the body reacts in its own way: some expectant mothers experience almost all symptoms, others only a few. It is important to remember that the duration of the prenatal period can also vary greatly. In some women, it extends over 2 to 3 weeks with periodic changes in overall condition; in others, it is limited to a few days or even hours. To avoid unnecessary worry, it is useful to keep a journal of your sensations, note fetal movements and contraction regularity, and consult your doctor if in doubt.

Pregnancy monitoring at NatuVitro clinic

The NatuVitro reproductive medicine clinic provides comprehensive monitoring for its patients at every stage: from the first contact presenting the possibilities of modern reproductive medicine and consultations with specialists, to selecting donor programs and performing ICSI (in vitro fertilization). The clinic places particular emphasis on an individualized approach: doctors consider medical indicators, family situation, and psychological state of future parents. Additionally, NatuVitro ensures professional pregnancy follow-up after a successful FIV protocol, including regular check-ups of the mother's and fetus's condition, selection of tests and examinations, and comprehensive support aimed at preserving the woman's health and proper fetal development. This approach guarantees patients confidence and a sense of security throughout their journey toward the much-anticipated parenthood.