Your body experiences many changes during the nine months of carrying a baby. As you approach your due date, it’s natural to feel both excited and anxious. One thing you want to recognize is when you’re going into labor and not dealing with a false alarm. To help with your pregnancy preparation, take a look at the following signs your newborn is on its way.    

4 Indications You’re Going Into Labor

1. Baby Has Dropped

When your baby is ready to be born, they turn downward, toward your pelvis. You can feel this shift because there’s less pressure on your diaphragm and ribs, allowing for easier breathing. However, since your child is now pushing down on your uterus, you may have to urinate more frequently.   

2. Bloody Discharge

If you have secretions of vaginal bleeding, there’s no need for concern. This happens when the mucus plug that shields the cervix from bacteria during pregnancy depletes and discharges from the body. It’s normal for there to be some blood, and the situation can occur minutes, hours, or days before labor begins.    

3. Your Water Breaks

While this may be the most well-recognized sign of the onset of labor, very few women experience it. During pregnancy, the amniotic sac protecting the fetus sometimes ruptures the closer you get to full term, causing your water to break. The fluid may come out in a surge or leak and is usually odorless, so contact your doctor immediately if this happens to you.     

4. Consistent Contractions

It can be tricky to tell which contractions are real and which are false, so knowing the difference can be beneficial for pregnancy preparation. When they’re regular and begin in your lower back and move toward the front, you’re going into labor. The cramps may begin 30 minutes apart, then occur more frequently, reducing to as little as five minutes apart. Pain also becomes sharper and lasts longer, so reach out to your doctor as soon as possible.

If you’re searching for a doctor you can trust to help you with pregnancy preparation, contact Advanced OB-GYN Services. With locations in Saint Peters and Bridgeton, MO, the practice provides high-quality gynecological care to keep you and your baby healthy. For added peace of mind, they are available 24 hours for any emergencies that may arise. For an appointment, call (636) 928-1800 or visit them online to learn more about their services.