Signs Of Labor In Pregnancy

Now that you are pregnant you are probably already anticipating the day that you will go into labor. Labor can be both an exciting and scary subject for pregnant women. You are eager to be united with your baby, but at the same time, you might be afraid of the pain or complications that could go along with labor. Many women also worry that they won't recognize the signs of labor when they occur. It is important to educate yourself about the signs of labor and delivery so that you will know exactly what to expect.

Preparing for Labor
Before you get too far along in your pregnancy, it is a good idea to learn as much as you can about the stages of labor. Find out what it entails, what it feels like, and what your delivery options are. If you are giving birth in a hospital, you may want to take a quick tour of the maternity facilities. If you are giving birth at home, you may want to talk with someone else who has gone through this process. Here are some easy things to do that can get you prepared for labor:

 

• attend a birthing class
• talk with friends who have given birth or other women in labor classes
• research labor and birth at your local library or women's center
• watch a labor and delivery video
• practice breathing and relaxation techniques

 

True Labor vs False Labor
If you are worried about getting confused between true labor and false labor, you are not alone. A lot of women are unsure about the early signs of labor. Most women experience signs of labor but don't know whether its the real thing or just something as simple as indigestion. If you are feeling contractions or seeing other symptoms of labor, then it is a good idea to get checked out by your health care provider. Don't be embarrassed if it turns out to be a false alarm - practitioners see this all the time and it is a part of the normal pregnancy process. One thing you don't want to do is stay at home alone and ignore the signs that your body is giving you.