As the due date nears, pregnant individuals often seek clues that labor is approaching. Understanding these signals can help alleviate anxieties and provide a sense of preparedness for childbirth.
Understanding Nausea and Vomiting During Late Pregnancy
Nausea or vomiting in late pregnancy can be unexpected, as these symptoms are commonly associated with the first trimester. While some individuals experience nausea before or during labor, it is not a definitive indicator that labor is imminent. Nausea can be a sign of approaching labor, but it is an unreliable sole predictor.
Hormonal fluctuations, particularly changes in prostaglandin levels, can affect the digestive system, leading to queasiness. The growing uterus also exerts increased pressure on the stomach, which can trigger nausea, especially as labor contractions intensify. Additionally, the body’s digestive processes may slow down, causing food to remain in the stomach longer, potentially leading to nausea or vomiting. Anxiety surrounding delivery can also contribute to feelings of nausea.
Nausea and vomiting in the third trimester affect about 15-20% of pregnant individuals. These symptoms are often non-specific and can be caused by issues unrelated to labor, such as dehydration, heartburn, or food poisoning. If nausea is accompanied by diarrhea, it could be due to prostaglandins, compounds that help initiate labor and also stimulate the bowels.
Other Indicators of Labor
Since nausea and vomiting are not definitive signs of labor, it is helpful to recognize other, more reliable indicators. True labor is characterized by contractions that become progressively stronger, longer, and more frequent over time. These contractions typically do not subside with changes in position or activity and are often felt in the lower back and abdomen, sometimes radiating to the legs. Unlike Braxton Hicks contractions, which are irregular and often fade, true labor contractions occur at regular intervals and intensify consistently.
Another significant sign of labor is the rupture of membranes, commonly known as “water breaking.” This can manifest as a sudden gush or a slow trickle of clear or pale yellow fluid from the vagina. While often depicted dramatically, the fluid amount varies greatly and can be difficult to distinguish from urine. A “bloody show” is also an indicator, appearing as a thick, mucus-like discharge that is pink, brown, or blood-tinged. This occurs as the cervix begins to soften, thin, and dilate, dislodging the mucus plug. The baby “dropping,” or lightening, where the baby descends lower into the pelvis, can also occur weeks or days before labor, leading to increased pelvic pressure and easier breathing for the pregnant individual.
Knowing When to Seek Medical Guidance
It is always prudent to contact a healthcare provider if there are concerns during late pregnancy. If contractions are occurring regularly, becoming stronger, and are about five minutes apart, lasting for one minute each for at least an hour, it is generally time to contact the provider. For individuals who have given birth before, labor can progress more quickly, so calling when contractions are five minutes apart for one hour might be advised.
If the water breaks, regardless of whether contractions have started, immediate contact with a healthcare provider is necessary. This is particularly important if the fluid is green, brown, or has a foul odor, as this could indicate fetal distress. Heavy vaginal bleeding, which is more than just a bloody show, or a significant decrease in the baby’s movements also warrant immediate medical attention.
Persistent nausea or vomiting, especially if accompanied by an inability to keep fluids down for 24 hours, dizziness, fever, severe abdominal pain, or a significant weight loss, should prompt a call to the healthcare provider. These symptoms could indicate dehydration or other medical conditions unrelated to labor that require assessment and intervention. Seeking professional advice ensures the well-being of both the pregnant individual and the baby.