Am I ready to give birth? Signs of labour checklist
- Regular contractions or tightenings. They might feel like really intense period pains.
- Regular, painful contractions that occur regularly and become more frequent, longer, and of stronger intensity.
- Backache—contractions don’t just happen in in the bump area.
- Passing of the mucus plug or what is called a “bloody show” which is a brownish, blood-tinged mucus discharge.
- A sudden urge to use the restroom. This is caused by the baby’s head pressing down on your bowel.
- Your water breaking. This doesn’t always happen before labour. But if it does call the hospital or your healthcare provider as soon as you can.
- Call the hospital if you’re unsure or worried about anything. The labour and delivery team will be able to provide you with the best advice.
- Don’t forget to have your hospital bag packed and ready to go! See our checklist of essentials to include.
Sources:
Health Link BC. Labour and Delivery. https://www.healthlinkbc.ca/health-topics/tn9759. Accessed August 2020.
Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada. Pregnancy Info: Labour 101. https://www.pregnancyinfo.ca/birth/labour/labour-101/ Accessed August 2020.
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