The main symptoms informing the expectant mother that the
birth has started is the pain, bleeding (spotting) and water coming. In the
last months of pregnancy, the expectant mother occasionally notices that her
stomach is hardening and there is pain. These are called false birth pains
(Braxton Hicks contractions). These false pains do not show that birth has
begun. The pains that show that birth has begun come more frequently, regularly
and violently. Real pains start at 10-20 minutes intervals or more often when
regular pains arrive. In the meantime, when you hold your stomach, you may
notice that it is almost as hard as wood. Birth pains are often accompanied by
lower back and back pains. The pains that come every 2-3 hours do not show that
the birth has started.
When labor begins, these pains can sometimes be accompanied
by spotting and slight bleeding. These indicate that the cervix is opening or
engagement bleeding has occurred. Bleeding is one of the most important conditions
in pregnancy regardless of whether or not it is more or less. Therefore, it is
necessary to consult a doctor immediately.
The arrival of water is a sign that birth will begin. Even if
there is pain or bleeding, it is necessary to consult a doctor immediately.
Sometimes there may be water coming in even though there is still a lot of time
to give birth, in this case there is a danger of preterm birth and therefore it
is necessary to consult a doctor immediately. Sometimes patients can mix the
discharge with water. The discharge is a dark sticky and small amount of fluid,
which is in most pregnant women. Incoming water is more and fluid as water,
sometimes flowing down the leg, sometimes less. The discharge does not indicate
that birth has begun and does not require immediate medical attention. However,
if you can not distinguish between discharge or water, you should definitely
consult your doctor, which one will be determined during the examination.
If you suspect that your birth has started as described here,
you should contact the hospital immediately. Your doctor will know if the birth
really started or not. If birth has started, hospitalization is made. If the
birth has not started yet and there is no problem, you may be advised to return
home.