As the expected due date approaches, individuals often experience various physical sensations, prompting questions about what these changes signify. Understanding these experiences during late pregnancy can help distinguish normal changes from those indicating the onset of labor.
Understanding Body Temperature Changes
Feeling warm or hot during late pregnancy is a common experience, but it is generally not a reliable primary indicator of labor. Physiological changes during pregnancy contribute to an elevated body temperature. Hormonal fluctuations, particularly increased levels of progesterone, can raise the body’s core temperature. The body also produces up to 50% more blood to support the growing fetus, and this increased blood volume generates more heat, making a pregnant individual feel warmer.
Furthermore, the metabolic rate increases as the body works harder to support fetal development, which naturally produces more body heat. By the third trimester, the additional body mass and the fetus’s own body heat also contribute to a warmer sensation, acting as insulation and making it harder to cool down.
Actual Signs of Labor
True labor is characterized by contractions that become progressively stronger, longer, and more regular over time, and these do not subside with rest or changes in position. Unlike Braxton Hicks contractions, which are irregular and often painless, true labor contractions establish a consistent pattern and may start in the lower back, moving to the abdomen. Another sign is the rupture of membranes, or water breaking, which can be a sudden gush or a slow trickle of clear, odorless fluid. The loss of the mucus plug, sometimes with a small amount of blood (bloody show), also indicates the cervix is softening and dilating. Persistent low back pain or increased pelvic pressure can also signal approaching labor.
When to Contact a Healthcare Provider
Contact a healthcare provider if contractions become regular and strong, occurring every five minutes for at least an hour, especially for a first-time parent. Seek immediate attention if your water breaks, particularly if the fluid is green or brown, or has an unusual odor. Significant vaginal bleeding, more than just spotting, also requires prompt evaluation. A noticeable decrease in fetal movement, such as not feeling 10 movements within a two-hour period, should also prompt immediate contact. Other concerning symptoms include severe, persistent headaches, sudden facial or hand swelling, or blurred vision.
Coping with Discomfort in Late Pregnancy
Managing the general discomforts of late pregnancy can improve overall well-being, even when these sensations are not related to labor. Staying well-hydrated and wearing loose, breathable clothing can help regulate body temperature. Cool showers, baths, or using a fan can provide immediate relief from overheating.
Frequent rest periods and elevating the feet can reduce swelling and discomfort. Practicing relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditation can alleviate anxiety and physical tension. Light physical activity, such as gentle walking, can promote circulation and reduce aches, but avoid overexertion. Using pillows for support while resting or sleeping can also enhance comfort.