Patient's question:
Hello doctor: Recently, my abdomen has been irregularly hardening, and it eases after about twenty seconds. Is this a sign of labor? How much time is it likely to be before delivery?Doctor's answer:
1. Lower abdominal heaviness and fullness: Pregnant women often feel lower abdominal heaviness and fullness due to the descent of the fetal presenting part compressing pelvic organs such as the bladder and rectum, accompanied by frequent urination and lower back pain.2. Abdominal relief: First-time pregnant women, about 1–2 weeks before delivery, may experience relief in the upper abdomen as the fetal presenting part descends into the pelvis and the uterus lowers. This often leads to easier breathing, increased appetite, and a greater sense of comfort in the upper abdomen.
3. False labor contractions: In the 1–2 weeks before delivery, women may experience irregular uterine contractions. These contractions are short in duration, long in intervals, and irregular. However, they are not strong and only cause mild cramping or discomfort in the lower abdomen. The cervix does not dilate with these contractions, and the sensation usually disappears after a while.