Pregnancy is both an overwhelming and exciting experience. Many moms are thrilled and enthusiastic, and spend countless hours shopping for baby strollers in Malaysia. Getting this excited for the arrival of your child is fine, but never forget about yourself. Take care of yourself, and make sure that you have a healthy pregnancy.
Know all the signs.
There are many signs that labor might be beginning, including:
- Tightening or contractions
- A show; this is when the plug of mucus from the cervix comes away
- Backaches
- Urge to go to the toilet; this is caused by the child’s head pressing on your bowels
- Your water breaking
Take note: the early stage of labor may take some time.
Call your maternity unit or midwife if:
- Your water breaking
- You are bleeding
- Your child is moving less than usual
- You are less than 37 weeks, and think you might be in labor
Latent phase of labor
The very start of labor is called “latent phase.” This is when the cervix becomes thin and soft. It starts the opening where the baby would be born. It may take many hours. However, for some women, it can take days. During this time, you would most likely be advised to stay home.
How to cope when labor starts?
At the start of labor, you can:
- Have a health care professional scrub your back to relieve the pain
- Take paracetamol; this is considered safe to take during labor
- Have a warm bath
- If you feel like it, walk or move around
- Drink lots of fluids, keep your energy level up
- Eat snacks
- Do breathing and relaxation exercises
