Patient's question:
I've been pregnant for over eight months now. After a thorough examination at the hospital, the doctor said I could give birth at any time. He advised me to pay close attention and observe carefully. The doctor told me many things, but because I was so nervous, I didn't remember any of it. Today, I've already started experiencing severe abdominal pain. What are the signs of labor in the days leading up to it?Doctor's answer:
What are the signs of labor approaching?1. Uterine fundus descent About two weeks before actual labor, pregnant women may experience the uterus rising again and the abdomen protruding forward and downward. At this time, fetal movements may increase compared to before, and the may feel more comfortable in the upper abdomen, find breathing easier, have a better appetite, but also experience frequent urination, a sensation of heaviness in the lower abdomen, or lower back and leg pain, making it difficult to move. The amount of vaginal discharge may also increase. For first-time mothers, this indicates that the baby’s head has engaged and is firmly settled in the pelvis. For women who have given birth before, it may indicate that the baby’s head has engaged or is reaching the pelvic inlet.
2. Bloody show This occurs when the cervix dilates, causing the fetal membrane near the internal cervical os to separate from the uterine wall, leading to the rupture of capillaries. It is also referred to as "bloody show."