It's still 4 weeks away from my due date, but I chose to already start with my maternity leave. Aside from I can't bear travelling from QC-Makati everyday, I also feel that I might give birth even before Christmas day. Contractions are getting more frequent and I just wanna rest in preparation for my labor and delivery.
I also can't help reading all the labor-related articles I find online so that I would know if I'm already experiencing true labor or if it's just false labor.
True Labor- Contractions gets stronger and closer together - Contractions are in a fairly regular pattern - Walking or changing position makes them stronger - Contractions are usually felt beginning in the back and moving forward - Cervix opens and thins
Braxton Hicks or False labor- Contractions remain the same strength, distance, and length - Contractions may be irregular - Walking or changing position does not affect the contractions - These contractions may be felt up high in the front
Signs that labor may be on its way Your body will usually give you clue that labor is beginning. You need to familiarize yourself with these signs. These are the signs that labor may be approaching, although they are not necessarily predictors of labor. They are good signs that your body is doing what is necessary to prepare for the birth. Some women notice them and others do not, either way is perfectly normal for you.
Out of those signs, I think I already have the bloody show, lightening, increased pressure in the pelvis and increased lower back pain. I asked my doctor last week if my cervix is already starting to dilate, but after her examination, it's still closed. I was just paranoid cos of the bloody show I've had recently where you would see mucus secretions tinged with blood. Heh. That nesting instinct also explains why I am currently obsessed in cleaning the house and arranging the baby's stuff. I dunno, lol.You should not worry if you do not notice these signs:
- A sudden burst of energy or the "nesting instinct". This is an instinct in which the female of the species prepares the nest for the impending arrival. - Lightening or dropping of the baby (you may be able to breathe easier and urinate more). This usually occurs somewhere between two and four weeks before the onset of labor in first-time mothers. It is basically the beginning of the baby’s descent into the pelvis. - Sensations of increasing pressure in the pelvis and rectum. Persistent low back pain may also be present. - An upset stomach - Diarrhea - Bloody show (this may be the cervix beginning to open, or from sex or a vaginal exam) - Loss of your mucous plug - Rupture of membranes. Sometimes labor begins with the bag of waters or membranes rupture, however, this usually does not happen until very late in labor. If your water breaks you may notice a near constant trickle of fluid from the vagina or a sudden gush. You should talk to your care giver about when to call about your waters breaking, but you should definitely notify them if you experience the following:
- Fluid is not clear, but green or brownish
- You have a fever
Also, did I tell you that I don't have gestational diabetes? Yay! I was so terrified when I've had my glucose test. Despite all the sweet cravings I've had during my pregnancy, my blood sugar is at its normal range. But my doctor as well as my mom advised me to watch what I am eating nowadays if I wanted to keep the size of my baby large enough to go on a normal delivery. With that, I already lessened my sugar and rice intake. I don't wanna go on caesarian section delivery but we'll never know till the big day comes. As of now, I am still okay for normal delivery. A lot of people also advised me to walk as much as I can everyday. It's a good thing that I live near UP Diliman. I hope it would stop raining so that I can continue my early morning walk again.
Ahh, a couple of more weeks and I can already see my baby! And it's just in time with my favorite season of the year!
