FAQ / Life on Pern / Craft Information / Healer Craft / Pregnancy & Childbirth on Pern
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Last updated 27th July 2005 by Bree
Early Warning Signs of Labor
Following are some signs that will show that the patient might be heading toward labor. Some signal that labor is imminent; others will surface days or even weeks before labor begins:
Lightening or dropping: This involves the settling of the baby's head into the pelvis. After lightening, the abdomen will seem lower and will protrude more. It will also be noticeable that the patient can breathe more easily and can eat more at one time.
More Frequent Urination: Lightening may increase the pressure on the pelvis and that, in turn, may lead to awkwardness in walking and the urge to urinate. This could happen as soon as two to four weeks before labor in the first pregnancy, and not until labor begins in the second or third pregnancy.
Backache: The lower position of the baby as well as the baby's larger size, can lead to backache. The patient might have a tough time finding a comfortable sleeping position and make need to use extra pillows as well as all of the relaxation techniques.
Anxiety and Depression: The patient may feel sad and anxious as the due date draws closer or if the due date passes without labor beginning. Try to keep the patient occupied and active with things she enjoys.
Weight and Energy Changes: The patient may find that she loses weight or has a leveling off of weight a few days before the labor starts. About 24 or 48 hours before delivery, the patient may also experience a power surge during which she feels the urge to wash floors, do laundry, and generally clean. Don't let her. She'll need all of her energy for labor.
Bowel Changes: The patient may have more frequent bowel movements within 48 hours of labor. The purpose is to cleanse the lower bowel and prepare the body for birth.
Increased Contractions: The patient may experience contractions as early as the fourth month of pregnancy and even more as the patient prepares for labor. These practice contractions help bring oxygen to her baby's blood and prepare the uterus for labor.
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Lightening or dropping: This involves the settling of the baby's head into the pelvis. After lightening, the abdomen will seem lower and will protrude more. It will also be noticeable that the patient can breathe more easily and can eat more at one time.
More Frequent Urination: Lightening may increase the pressure on the pelvis and that, in turn, may lead to awkwardness in walking and the urge to urinate. This could happen as soon as two to four weeks before labor in the first pregnancy, and not until labor begins in the second or third pregnancy.
Backache: The lower position of the baby as well as the baby's larger size, can lead to backache. The patient might have a tough time finding a comfortable sleeping position and make need to use extra pillows as well as all of the relaxation techniques.
Anxiety and Depression: The patient may feel sad and anxious as the due date draws closer or if the due date passes without labor beginning. Try to keep the patient occupied and active with things she enjoys.
Weight and Energy Changes: The patient may find that she loses weight or has a leveling off of weight a few days before the labor starts. About 24 or 48 hours before delivery, the patient may also experience a power surge during which she feels the urge to wash floors, do laundry, and generally clean. Don't let her. She'll need all of her energy for labor.
Bowel Changes: The patient may have more frequent bowel movements within 48 hours of labor. The purpose is to cleanse the lower bowel and prepare the body for birth.
Increased Contractions: The patient may experience contractions as early as the fourth month of pregnancy and even more as the patient prepares for labor. These practice contractions help bring oxygen to her baby's blood and prepare the uterus for labor.
See Also: No articles yet
Referenced By: No articles yet