Signs of Labor Lightening (Engagement): Baby drops to pelvis. Mom will notice less pressure on stomach and lungs, more pressure on bladder. Nesting: Impulse to clean & get everything ready Mucous Plug (Show): Plug of mucous covering cervix comes out. Effacement & dilation begin. Mom will notice pink or blood tinged mucous when urinating Flu-like symptoms: Body cleaning self out for baby; nausea, diarrhea and mild cramping Backache: Contractions pulling on back or baby facing forward causing skull to press against the spine Breaking of Water: Amniotic sac tears causing water to leak out. Mom may feel a big gush or a steady trickle of liquid. Only 10% of labors start this way. If yours does, remember your C.O.A.T. Color Odor Amount Time • If color is red, you may have a detached placenta • If color is brown, yellow or green this is a sign of meconium (could be due to baby being stressed) • If odor is foul this is a sign of infection Call the doctor and report, C.O.A.T. he may or may not have you come in Caution: Nothing should go into the vagina after the Breaking of Water (No tampons, fingers, or intercourse) Contractions: Uterine muscles are tightening. There will be pain but it will be Purposeful, Anticipated, Intermittent and is Normal. |
