The signs and symptoms of labor & natural remedies to help relieve pain during the stages of labor.

Early symptoms and signs of labor include:

• Baby drops or engages into pelvis (known as lightening)
• Abdomen looks lower and more protruding
• Menstrual-like cramps
• Backache
• Diarrhea or flu -like symptoms
• Braxton-Hicks contractions (false contractions) during the last week of pregnancy
• Frequent urinating
• Frequent bowel movements within 48 hours of labor
• Indigestion, nausea or vomiting a day or two before labor begins
• Sudden burst of energy 48 hours before labor starts
• Increased vaginal discharge
• Small blood-stained discharge
• Contractions
• Water breaks

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During this stage of labor, thinning of the cervix occurs and it is completely dilated to around 10cm. Different phases known as the latent, active and transitional phases occur during the first stage:

The latent phase

In this phase, thinning of the cervix may occur over a period of weeks, days or hours. It may be accompanied by mild contractions which may be regular or irregular – sometimes you may not even be aware that you are having contractions at all. This part of labor is the least painful but the longest. Rest and relax at home until the contractions become more painful and regular.

The active phase

During this phase contractions are strong and painful. The cervix is dilated to around 7cm. They are about three to four minutes apart and last for as long as a minute. You may feel restless, find it difficult to stand, or shift birthing positions. If your water breaks or you notice vaginal bleeding, this is the time to go the hospital.

The transitional phase

The contractions are more frequent, longer, intense and painful during the transitional phase. The contractions are also closer together than before as the baby moves down. Usually, the cervix may take around an hour to dilate to the final 3cm. During this phase you are nearing the delivery process and may feel increasingly agitated, irritable, frightened and fatigued. You may also feel a strong desire to visit the toilet as the baby’s head presses against the rectum.

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During this stage, the actual birth process occurs. When the cervix is dilated to around 10cm, the uterine contractions are usually regular but may slow down to every two to five minutes and lasting 60 to 90 seconds. You may feel the need to bear and push as each contraction intensifies. There may also be the need to change positions many times before you reach one that is comfortable. Immense pressure may be felt in the rectum as the baby’s head presses against it.

As the baby moves through the vagina, especially as the head crowns, a burning or stretching sensation is often experienced. As the head emerges, the medical team will turn the body to deliver the shoulders and the rest of the body will slip out. If the head appears quickly, your obstetrician may make an incision in the perineum (episiotomy) or tell you to push more gently or to stop pushing so that the baby’s head can stretch out of the vaginal opening and perineum – this will keep the perineum from tearing.

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Shortly after you have given birth, the uterus contracts again. It gently loosens and pushes out the placenta or afterbirth This stage usually takes about five to ten minutes.

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There are several things that you can do to relieve the discomfort associated with the onset of labor and these include:

• Have continuous labor support from a midwife, doula, nurse or childbirth educator throughout the childbirth process – this will help to ease your fear and feel more control
• If you feel a sudden burst of energy a day or two before going into labor, remember that this is nature’s way of preparing you for labor, so try not to use up all this energy
• Practice deep breathing exercises to relieve the pain
• Reduce the pain by distracting yourself through imagery and visualization techniques (you may also try using a calming music cd during labor)
• Allow your partner or husband to assist in labor massage – rubbing your back or giving you a foot rub to lessen pain and discomfort
• Soak in a tub of warm water or have a shower to ease the stress and tension
• Urinate and empty your bowels frequently – this is the body’s way of preparing you for labor slow and difficult labor
• Drink plenty of fluids during labor to prevent dehydration and also keep the kidneys functioning well. Dehydration can also cause premature labor.
• Walk and move around between contractions can also help reduce stress, anxiety and pain
• Suck on ice chips or hard candy

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