Recognizing Delivery Signs
Learning to recognize delivery signs is crucial for timely medical attention and ensuring maternal and infant safety. Understand various signs of labor and know when to go to the hospital.
Main Signs of Labor
1. Regular Contractions
Contraction Characteristics
- Regularity: Interval between contractions gradually shortens
- Progression: Intensity gradually increases, duration lengthens
- Frequency: Initially may be once every 10-15 minutes, gradually becoming once every 5-6 minutes
- Duration: Each lasts 45-60 seconds
- Location: Starts from upper abdomen, extends to the whole abdomen
How to Judge
- Record Time: Record contraction start time, duration and interval
- Observe Changes: Observe if contractions are becoming more regular and intense
- Feel Changes: Feel if pain extends gradually from lower abdomen upwards
- Duration: Need to go to hospital if it lasts for more than 1 hour
Difference Between True and False Contractions
| Feature | False Contractions (Braxton Hicks) | True Contractions |
|---|---|---|
| Regularity | Irregular, long intervals | Regular, intervals gradually shorten |
| Intensity | Weak, bearable | Strong, progressively worsening |
| Location | Mostly in lower abdomen | Spreads downwards from upper abdomen |
| Impact | Relieved by changing position | Not affected by position |
| Cervical Change | No cervical change | Cervix gradually dilates |
2. Bloody Show
Bloody Show Characteristics
- Color: Pink, red or brown
- Amount: Usually small amount, less than menstrual flow
- Nature: Mucus discharge with blood streaks
- Time: Mostly appears 24-48 hours before delivery
Normal Bloody Show
- Small Amount of Blood: Only blood streaks, not large amount
- Light Color: Pink or light red
- No Abdominal Pain: May be accompanied by slight discomfort, no severe pain
- Duration: May last 1-2 days
Bleeding to Watch Out For
- Large Amount: More than menstrual flow
- Bright Red: Bright red blood
- Continuous Bleeding: Unstoppable bleeding
- Accompanied by Abdominal Pain: Severe abdominal pain
- Immediate Medical Attention: This may be a danger signal of placental abruption
3. Water Breaking
Water Breaking Characteristics
- Suddenness: Sudden outflow of fluid
- Uncontrollable: Cannot be controlled by contracting muscles
- Continuous: May continue to flow out in small amounts
- Clear Liquid: Usually clear, odorless liquid
How to Confirm
- Observe Color: Clear or light yellow is normal
- Smell: No special smell or slight sweet smell
- Observe Amount: Amount may be large or continuous small outflow
- Try to Control: Cannot be controlled by contracting muscles
Handling After Water Breaking
- Lie Flat Immediately: Prevent umbilical cord prolapse
- Elevate Hips: Put a pillow under the hips
- Do Not Bathe: Prevent infection
- Record Time: Record water breaking time
- Contact Hospital: Contact hospital immediately to prepare for visit
- Do Not Panic: Stay calm
Other Signs of Labor
1. Lightening (Fetal Dropping)
Manifestations
- Improved Breathing: Suddenly feel breathing is smooth
- Stomach Comfort: Heartburn symptoms are relieved
- Dropping Sensation: Feel fetus dropping into pelvis
- Increased Urinary Frequency: Bladder compression is more obvious
- Difficulty Walking: May feel walking is more difficult
Time
- Primipara: May appear 2-4 weeks before delivery
- Multipara: May only appear before delivery
- Individual Difference: Appearance time varies for everyone
2. Cervical Changes
Signs
- Cervical Dilation: Begins to dilate to full opening
- Cervical Effacement: Thinning and flattening
- Fetal Descent: Fetal head position drops
- Cervical Softening: Texture becomes soft
Examination
- Doctor Examination: Needs doctor's internal examination
- Ultrasound Assessment: Ultrasound can assess fetal position
- Self-perception: Usually needs professional examination to confirm
When to Go to the Hospital
Situations to Go to Hospital Immediately
- Regular Contractions: Once every 5-6 minutes, lasting 1 hour
- Water Breaking: Regardless of whether contractions are regular
- Heavy Bleeding: Bleeding more than menstrual flow
- Abnormal Fetal Movement: Significantly reduced or disappeared fetal movement
- Severe Symptoms: Severe headache, blurred vision, chest pain
Situations to Call Doctor
- Slight Bloody Show: Small amount of blood streaks, no other symptoms
- Irregular Contractions: Irregular or weak contractions
- Slight Discomfort: Slight abdominal pain or discomfort
- Uncertain Situation: Not sure if it is a sign of labor
Situations to Observe at Home
- False Contractions: Irregular, weak contractions
- Slight Bloody Show: Small amount, short time
- Normal Fetal Movement: Normal and regular fetal movement
- No Other Symptoms: No bleeding, water breaking, etc.
Process After Arriving at Hospital
Admission Assessment
- Symptom Assessment: Describe symptoms and feelings in detail
- Fetal Heart Monitoring: Monitor fetal condition
- Contraction Monitoring: Monitor contraction frequency and intensity
- Cervical Examination: Assess cervical dilation
Delivery Assessment
- Fetal Position Confirmation: Confirm fetal position
- Amniotic Fluid Assessment: Assess amniotic fluid condition
- Fetal Assessment: Assess fetal size and condition
- Delivery Method: Determine delivery method according to situation
Special Situation Handling
Emergency Situations
- Heavy Bleeding: Call emergency number immediately
- Umbilical Cord Prolapse: Keep lying flat, elevate hips
- Fetal Distress: Seek medical attention immediately, emergency treatment
- Placental Abruption: Severe abdominal pain with bleeding
High Risk Pregnant Women
- Multiple Pregnancy: Need to go to hospital earlier
- Gestational Hypertension: Seek medical attention immediately if symptoms appear
- Gestational Diabetes: Needs close monitoring
- Previous Cesarean Section: Need to pay attention to previous surgical scar
Psychological Preparation
Stay Calm
- Deep Breathing: Maintain deep and steady breathing
- Seek Support: Seek support from partner or family
- Trust Doctor: Trust the professional ability of the medical team
- Positive Attitude: Maintain a positive and optimistic attitude
Record Information
- Start Time: Record the start time of various symptoms
- Symptom Description: Describe symptom characteristics in detail
- Contact Information: Prepare contact information of hospital and doctor
- Route Planning: Familiarize with the route to the hospital
Friendly Reminder: Although understanding delivery signs is important, don't be overly nervous. Most deliveries are natural and safe processes. If you have any doubts, contact your doctor or midwife in time.