It is fine to throw some items in at the last minute, like your charger and toothbrush, but you’ll want to have your bag mostly packed and easily accessible by this point in your pregnancy. Some items are essential, while some will help you feel comfy and remind you of the comfort of home. 

Here is an extensive list of everything you may need in the hospital. Let’s get ready together, for a more comfortable labour, delivery and recovery!

Hospital Bag for Mum

What you prepare for yourself is just as important as what you have for your baby. During the time you spend at the hospital, it is important that you are comfy and cosy. On average, mums who choose to deliver with a vaginal birth stay in the hospital for one to two days. If you deliver with a c-section, your stay might be around three or four days. Keep the potential length of stay in your mind as you select a bag, and what to pack in it. Having a bag big enough to fit everything in with some free space allowed might be your best choice. Before packing, you can also ask your hospital what they provide for mums, and prepare yourself considering those as well. 

Let’s make a list of the things you need in your hospital bag for yourself, for a comfier time spent at the hospital: 

• Clothes: Other than support bras, it is good to avoid anything too restrictive. When packing, keep in mind to include soft and stretchy clothes with breathable fabrics. It is also important to pack a few nursing bras or tanks for your comfort. Other options for nursing bras are nursing-friendly pyjama sets or nightgowns. Nightgowns can come in so handy! Loose, one-piece clothing makes life so much easier, especially postpartum. Nightgowns with buttons on the front, or any kind that allows easy access for breastfeeding are lifesavers, approved by many mums!
  If you plan on delivering in water, dark-coloured sports bras or bathing suit tops can come in handy. Remember to pack extra underwear!
  For footwear, grippy socks are great for keeping warm and cosy and handling slippy hospital floors. Along with socks, slip-on shoes make hospital life and discharge easier. Your feet might swell postpartum as well, which makes slip-on shoes a lifesaver.

• A robe: A comfortable robe is one of the best and the most important items to include in your hospital bag, useful under any circumstance.

• A Birth Plan: If you have one, print and keep a few copies in your bag to be able to highlight some key points for quick reference when needed.

• Adult nappies, maternity pads and other postpartum products: The hospital will provide you with some products but not every product might not work for everyone. Choose the best brand for yourself, and add them to your bag just in case. Along with nappies and pads, you can also pack a perineal spray, and vitamins suitable for postpartum.

• Toiletries: You’ll want your toothbrush, hairbrush, shampoo and deodorant, lotion, face wipes and hair ties in the hospital room. Having your own cosmetic bag will make you feel like you are at home. If you use glasses or contact lenses, keep in mind them and their utensils as well.

• An extra long phone charger: We could not recommend this enough! Most hospital beds are notoriously away from electrical outlets, and you’ll want your phone charged for all the heartwarming moments waiting to be captured.

• Nipple cream: Your breasts and nipples might hurt, or go dry during breastfeeding, and having extra protection would be helpful for a comfier experience.

• Bath towel: Hospital towels can be thin and scratchy, and having your own towel might bring extra comfort.

• Snacks: Labour can take long, and having your favourite snacks by you can make the process comfier and easier.
  
• Entertainment: So much time will be spent in the hospital, and it is nice to have something to do when waiting.

Hospital Bag for Your Baby 

The long-awaited arrival is around the corner! For this grand entrance, it is important to be prepared while not over-exerting yourself. While you may not know what exactly you’ll need, you know what you will likely need. But good news! In most cases, you do not need all that much when you are just starting in life. Before packing for your baby, it is also important to consider what the hospital will provide for your baby during labour, and pack according to that. 

The following list might be helpful for you to get everything ready before the arrival of your little ball of sunshine:

• A car seat: The right car seat should be installed in your car so that it is ready when you leave the hospital. 

• Bodysuits, socks, booties, hats, mittens: Usually most hospitals provide you with clothing, but policies may vary so it is always a good idea to have spares in your bag. You may need to add to what the hospital provides in terms of layers. When choosing bodysuits, it is a good idea to keep in mind that those that fasten up at the front provide the most comfort when changing. 

• A receiving blanket: The hospital will likely provide blankets, but having a blanket on your own is always good to have on hand to use for skin-to-skin contact.

• Muslins: The muslins are soft, light, multifunctional, and do not take up so much space. They can come in so handy, so it is always nice to have one or two by your side.

• Going-home outfit: When packing for leaving the hospital, consider the weather conditions to not over or under-pack for going home. 

Hospital Bag for Your Partner, or Support Person

If you will have your partner or a support person like a relative or a friend staying in the hospital with you, remind them to pack some things as well. In addition to clothes and toiletries to keep them comfortable during their stay, they can also pack books, their laptop, or general entertainment to keep them company in case there is some downtime. Additionally, they can also pack a lightweight blanket and a pillow just in case the ones that they provide at the hospital for them are scratchy and thin. During this stay, it is important that everyone is as comfortable as possible for the best experience. 

What NOT to Pack in Your Hospital Bag?

It is always good to be prepared, but packing too much can be a hassle to handle later on. Additionally, there are some things that the hospitals do not allow, so it is a good idea to check beforehand and pack accordingly. What should we not pack? Let’s see. 

• Too many clothes

• Valuables

• Electronic devices

• Too much food

• Nappies and wipes: Most hospitals provide nappies and wipes during your stay, so double-check this with your hospital before packing nappies or cotton wools. 

If you have any further doubts or questions, we have a baby registry checklist tailored just for you! For more information about preparing for your little one, please refer to our Baby Registry Checklist.

So what is postnatal depression? What are its symptoms? How long does it last? What are the ways to overcome this depression? Let’s examine together.

What is Postnatal Depression?

Mothers who have just given birth are called puerpera. The period, which lasts for about 6 weeks or approximately 42 days after childbirth, is defined as the postpartum period. This period is when the bond between mother and baby is established, the baby and the mother get used to each other, and the mother’s body needs time to return to its pre-pregnancy state. Therefore, many women may find this period challenging due to environmental, biological, and psychological factors.

In some cases, a mother may exhibit symptoms of depression during the postpartum period. Conditions that are more severe than postpartum blues are called postpartum depression or postnatal depression. While postpartum blues occur in 70-80% of women who give birth, postnatal depression can occur in approximately 20% of them.

What Are the Symptoms of Postnatal Depression?

Postnatal depression differs from the mild depressive state experienced after pregnancy with some symptoms. This depressive state is also called postpartum or baby blues. In the presence of postpartum blues, some mood changes are observed in almost every woman due to the rapid hormonal changes in the early days of childbirth, and these are considered normal. This blues mostly encompasses the responsibilities of motherhood, concerns about the baby, and the unhappiness that comes from the changes after childbirth. However, this condition is temporary. If the process continues and the following symptoms are observed, postnatal depression may be considered. Symptoms of postnatal depression:

• Severe sadness
• Numbness
• Irritability
• Sudden crying spells
• Sudden outbursts of anger
• Feeling worthless
• Lack of energy
• General body aches
• Insomnia
• Forgetfulness
• Complaints
• Depressive mood
• Feeling inadequate
• Lack of interest in caring for the baby
• Difficulty bonding with the baby
• Loss of appetite and weight loss
• Increased appetite and overeating
• Difficulty concentrating and memory loss
• Panic attacks
• Inability to enjoy life
• Feeling guilty
• Desire to exclude oneself from social life
• Thoughts of harming the baby
• Thoughts of suicide or suicide attempts

Causes of Postnatal Depression

There may be various reasons for postnatal depression. We can divide the reasons as follows:

• Emotional fluctuations due to the sudden drop in pregnancy hormone levels, especially estrogen and progesterone, after pregnancy (Biological reasons)
• Mother’s genetic predisposition, problems between partners, early pregnancy, birth trauma, traumatic events from the past, financial problems, unwanted pregnancy, intense stress or depression before pregnancy, having other children at home, not receiving adequate support from family members (Psychosocial reasons)

How Long Does Postnatal Depression Last?

Postnatal depression usually begins in the first weeks after childbirth. The period between the 2nd and 8th weeks after childbirth is when baby blues can turn into a full-fledged depression. The effects of depression can last up to 1 year if left untreated. Therefore, the treatment is of great importance, as this condition can lead to different psychological problems in the future.

Treatment of Postnatal Depression

The following treatment methods are used for postnatal depression:

• Psychotherapy
• Antidepressant medication
• Antipsychotic medication

Psychotherapy is the most commonly used method, and it is generally sufficient for the treatment of depression. The use of medication is much rarer. However, if medication is necessary, the doctor can use alternative options suitable for breastfeeding mothers.

What to Do About Postnatal Depression?

To prevent postnatal depression or to support postnatal depression treatment, some methods can be applied. The ways to overcome postnatal depression are as follows:

• First of all, be sure to support the mother. Spouses and close relatives, especially during the postpartum period, should not leave the mother alone and should make her feel that they are there for her.
• Help the mother with baby care. Especially mothers who give birth to their first child may worry about baby care and feel overwhelmed by the burden of motherhood. You should alleviate this situation.
• Help the mother with household chores as well as baby care. Share the burden with the mother as much as possible.
• Try to create time for the mother to have personal time.
• Ensure that the mother sleeps or rests when the baby sleeps.
• Limit visitors during the postpartum period.
• Spouses need to spend time together so that the postpartum mother can feel herself as she used to besides being a mother. Plan activities that can elevate the mother’s mood, such as a romantic dinner, a movie date, spending time alone, etc.
• The spouse should be sensitive to the mother and show that their love and interest in her have not changed. This way, the feeling of worthlessness in the mother can be eliminated.
• During this period, the mother should pay attention to her diet. Especially, avoid alcohol and caffeinated beverages.
• Take a regular walk or exercise for at least 15 minutes every day. Simple exercises that do not strain the body can also be included.
• Most importantly, do not hesitate to seek support from a specialist if there are symptoms.

Postnatal depression can be experienced at different durations and severities from person to person. It should not be forgotten that this condition is a disorder, and the mother should not be burdened too much. The significant changes experienced can be difficult for the mother to accept. However, the mother should be made to feel that she can overcome this situation and should be supported at all times.

Welcoming a new baby into the world is a joyous occasion filled with excitement, wonder, and anticipation. However, amidst the euphoria of childbirth, many new mothers experience what is commonly referred to as the “baby blues.” This temporary emotional state, often characterised by feelings of sadness, mood swings, and anxiety, is a normal part of the postpartum period that affects a significant number of women.

The baby blues typically begin a few days after giving birth and can last for up to two weeks. During this time, mothers may find themselves feeling overwhelmed, weepy, and emotionally fragile. They may experience sudden bouts of crying for no apparent reason, feel irritable or anxious, and struggle to cope with the demands of caring for a newborn.

It’s important to understand that the baby blues are not the same as postnatal depression, although the two conditions share some similarities. Unlike postnatal depression, which is a more severe and long-lasting form of mood disorder, the baby blues are generally short-lived and less intense in nature. While postnatal depression requires professional intervention and treatment, the baby blues typically resolve on their own without medical intervention.

What Causes The Baby Blues?

The exact cause is not fully understood, but it is believed to be linked to the hormonal fluctuations that occur after childbirth. During pregnancy, a woman’s body undergoes significant hormonal changes to support the growing fetus. After giving birth, there is a rapid decrease in hormone levels, including estrogen and progesterone, which can affect mood regulation and contribute to feelings of sadness and emotional instability.

In addition to hormonal changes, other factors may also play a role in the development of the baby blues. The physical and emotional challenges of childbirth, lack of sleep, fatigue, and adjusting to the demands of motherhood can all contribute to feelings of stress and overwhelm in new mothers. Furthermore, the pressures of societal expectations, coupled with feelings of self-doubt and insecurity about one’s ability to care for a newborn, can exacerbate feelings of sadness and anxiety.

Recognising the signs and symptoms of the baby blues is the first step towards managing and coping with this common postpartum experience. Some common symptoms include:

1. Mood swings
2. Feelings of sadness or tearfulness
3. Anxiety or irritability
4. Fatigue or exhaustion
5. Difficulty sleeping, even when the baby is asleep
6. Changes in appetite
7. Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
8. Feelings of guilt or inadequacy as a mother

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, know that you’re not alone, and help is available. 

What Should be Done about Baby Blues?

Talking to your partner, family members, or friends about how you’re feeling can provide emotional support and reassurance during this challenging time. It’s also essential to take care of yourself by getting plenty of rest, eating nutritious meals, and engaging in activities that help you relax and unwind.

In addition to seeking support from loved ones, joining a new mothers’ support group or attending postnatal classes can connect you with other women who are going through similar experiences. Sharing your thoughts and feelings with others who understand what you’re going through can be incredibly validating and empowering.

Self-care practices such as deep breathing exercises, mindfulness meditation, gentle yoga, and taking regular walks can also help alleviate symptoms of the baby blues and promote emotional well-being. Remember to be patient and gentle with yourself as you navigate this transitional period in your life.

It’s important to note that while the baby blues are a common and normal experience for many new mothers, they should not be ignored or dismissed. If your symptoms persist beyond two weeks or become more severe, it may be a sign of postnatal depression, which requires professional intervention and treatment.

If you’re concerned about your mental health or are experiencing persistent feelings of sadness, anxiety, or hopelessness, don’t hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider or a mental health professional for support and guidance. They can offer valuable resources, support, and treatment options to help you overcome the baby blues and enjoy this special time with your new baby.

Ten Signs of Postnatal Depression:

1. Inability to smile or see the funny side of things
2. Not being able to look forward to the future with enthusiasm
3. Blaming yourself unnecessarily when things go wrong
4. Feeling anxious or worried without any reason
5. Feeling fearful or panicked without a good reason
6. Feeling overwhelmed by everything
7. Being so unhappy that you have difficulty sleeping
8. Feeling sad or down
9. Crying frequently due to unhappiness
10. Thinking about harming yourself

It is known that during pregnancy, women experience physical, emotional, and social changes, and compared to many other events, this period causes much greater changes. If there is emotional distress lasting more than 2 weeks after childbirth, postnatal depression may be experienced.

Does premature birth increase the risk of postnatal depression?

Postnatal depression can manifest as excessive crying, irritability, guilt, lack of interest in the baby, changes in eating and sleeping habits, difficulty concentrating, hopelessness, and thoughts of harming the baby or oneself.

Postnatal depression is a condition that causes serious distress and significantly reduces the quality of life for both the mother and the baby. Mothers may exhibit behaviours such as feeling incompetent or inadequate in coping with their babies, getting lost in deep thoughts, losing interest in usual activities, feeling worthless, and excessively worrying about the baby’s health. Especially, premature birth creates a risky situation for depression. Special support should be provided to both the premature baby and the mother in case of premature birth.

In the case of the postnatal depression, it is essential for the mother to feel adequate family support. Partners, especially, need to support their spouses intensively and actively participate in the process.

All births occurring after the 20th week and before the 37th week of pregnancy are considered preterm. Approximately 10-15% of all pregnancies result in preterm birth. Preterm birth is responsible for 75% of mortality and morbidity in newborns without congenital anomalies. A baby is considered premature if their weight is between 1000-2500 grams and immature if it is below 1000 grams.

In half of the cases, the factor causing preterm birth cannot be identified. Additionally, preterm rupture of the amniotic sac, placental insufficiency, and previous preterm births may lead to preterm labour. The risk of preterm birth increases if the intervals between pregnancies are less than 3 months, there is a serious previous tear in the cervix, the mother is under 18 or over 40 years old, has serious medical problems, or is a heavy smoker. Preterm births can also occur in cases of multiple pregnancies when there is too little or too much amniotic fluid, severe signs of anaemia in the mother, alcohol and drug users, and those exposed to trauma.

Frequent uterine contractions occurring twice an hour in the mother, detection of a 2-3 cm dilation in the cervix during examination, and/or leakage of amniotic fluid are significant signs. Patients presenting with these complaints are immediately admitted to the hospital. The condition is assessed through ultrasound examination and vaginal examination. If the cervix is dilated 4 cm or more, there is severe vaginal bleeding, the mother has serious medical problems (hypertension, severe cardiac and pulmonary disease, etc.), preterm birth is being carried out due to fetal distress, severe growth retardation, and intrauterine infection, attempts are not made to stop the birth.

To prevent preterm birth, hydration is administered to the mother urgently. If childbirth occurs between the 24th and 34th weeks, 2 doses of betamethasone are administered every 12 hours to accelerate the baby’s lung development. The beneficial effect of this treatment appears within 24 hours. Since the maximum beneficial effect of the administered cortisone will be achieved 48 hours later, efforts are made to gain at least this time. If possible and not contraindicated, tocolytic treatment should be applied to delay childbirth until the farthest possible date, and the mother should be put on bed rest.

For tocolysis treatment, one of the beta mimetic drug groups, magnesium sulfate, indomethacin, nifedipine, or a combination of these drugs is applied in a controlled manner. Antibiotics are started to protect the newborn from infection. Vaginal delivery between 1500-2000 grams and cesarean section for premature babies with foot presentation will be appropriate. Birth should always be performed in hospitals with neonatal intensive care units.

It can be difficult to generalise and categorise the future of the newborn. This is because neonatal intensive care conditions can vary greatly. In ideal conditions, babies weighing over 2000 grams have a 90% chance of survival. For those weighing between 1000-1500 grams, the rate drops to the 65% range. Throughout your pregnancy, staying in touch with your doctor and keeping your pregnancy under control will not only protect you from preterm birth but also from other potential risks.

Preterm birth accounts for 75% of newborn deaths. Premature babies tend to have slow growth and development. Problems can arise in hearing, vision, respiratory, and central nervous system development, leading to difficulties at school age.

Factors That May Increase the Risk of Preterm Birth

• Having experienced threatened preterm birth in this or a previous pregnancy
• Having previously given birth prematurely
• Multiple pregnancies (two or more fetuses)
• Previous procedures on the cervix
• The presence of a septum or fibroids in the womb
• Experiencing infection during pregnancy, especially kidney inflammation
• Undergoing abdominal surgery during pregnancy (appendicitis, gallbladder, ovarian surgeries)
• Smoking and drug use
• Bleeding in the first or second trimester of pregnancy
• Unmonitored pregnancy
• Getting pregnant while having an intrauterine device
• Fetal demise
• Incorrect calculation of gestational age

Signs of Threatened Preterm Birth

• Increase in vaginal bleeding or discharge
• Groin or abdominal pain
• Significant lower back pain
• Pain resembling menstrual cramps and continuing daily
• Feeling of tension in the uterus
• Feeling 5-6 or more contractions within an hour
• Sudden gushing of a large amount of fluid from the vagina
  

How is the Diagnosis of Threatened Preterm Birth Made?

The diagnosis of preterm birth is made by examining changes in the cervix. If your cervix has softened, turned forward, and started to shorten, it is determined that you are experiencing threatened preterm birth. Preterm birth is not diagnosed solely based on a feeling of contraction.

Fetal Fibronectin Test

Fetal fibronectin is a protein that can be detected in vaginal discharge between the 24th and 34th weeks of pregnancy. It indicates whether childbirth will occur within 2 weeks if there is a threat of preterm birth. It is obtained by taking a vaginal swab sample from areas near the cervix. If fetal fibronectin is detected, your doctor may prescribe bed rest and start treatment with necessary medications to prevent preterm birth. Medication treatment is also given to mature the baby’s lungs.

Treatment of Threatened Preterm Birth

The main goal of treatment is to restrict activity and increase fluid intake. In case of threatened preterm birth, you need to be hospitalised and stay in bed unless necessary. Initially, a serum is given intravenously. If necessary, tocolytic drugs, which are drugs that relieve uterine contractions, may be added to this serum.

Preterm Birth and Baby Health

The health of the baby is linked to how early the preterm birth occurs. Babies born after the 35th week usually go home with their mothers within a few days. The closer to the expected delivery date a baby is born prematurely, the longer they will stay in the hospital, approximately the same amount of time left until the expected delivery date. Premature babies cannot survive outside the incubator. These babies need neonatal intensive care. 

Premature babies may experience difficulties in maintaining body temperature. They are kept under heaters to prevent hypothermia. Since they may have problems regulating blood sugar, calcium, and magnesium levels, these are supplemented intravenously. Umbilical cords are usually preferred for intravenous access. Since these babies may also have problems related to sucking, swallowing, and chewing, they can be fed through tubes inserted through the nose or mouth. If premature babies are fed too early, they may develop necrotising enterocolitis, a potentially fatal intestinal disease.

Since the liver function of premature babies is not fully developed, jaundice often occurs. This yellow appearance of the skin will disappear over time. Ultraviolet light therapy may be required to prevent the accumulation of bilirubin.

Potential Long-Term Problems in Premature Babies

Thanks to the significant advancement in neonatal intensive care units, many small babies can now be saved. The smaller a baby is born, the more problems they may face in the long term. These problems include chronic respiratory problems, hearing difficulties, vision problems, neurological and developmental problems, and learning difficulties. These are generally unavoidable problems. However, due to the excellent treatment methods implemented today, many premature babies recover without experiencing these difficulties. Throughout your pregnancy, staying in touch with your doctor and keeping your pregnancy under control will not only protect you from preterm birth but also from other potential risks.

The more you can relax and loosen your muscles, the easier natural childbirth becomes. Let’s take a look at recommendations that will help the mother feel comfortable and thus facilitate an easy birth.

1. Educate Yourself

Knowing what to expect during childbirth is essential. Couples should familiarise themselves with the birth environment and learn about the situations they may encounter. The first step could be attending a childbirth class with your partner. Additionally, you can read books about childbirth, talk to friends who are new mothers, and gain a lot of information by reading recommended articles about childbirth. Facing your fears today reduces the likelihood of panicking during childbirth.

2. Create a Warm Environment

A comfortable environment calms you down. Try to personalise your room in the hospital. You can take a picture from home and hang it in the delivery room or bring a portable music set with you. Many women say that listening to light music alleviates their contractions.

3. Go with Someone You Trust for Labour

Having someone with you whom you feel very comfortable with can work wonders. Many expectant mothers want not only their partners but also their sisters or closest friends to be present during childbirth. Additionally, having someone accompany you during childbirth who has children and can reassure you that what you are experiencing is normal can also reassure the expectant mother.

4. Move Around

Standing upright and being active distracts you from contractions and allows the baby to descend into the birth canal more easily. If your doctor permits, you can do yoga, go for short walks, and dance slowly. 

5. Try Meditation

Meditation is one of the methods used to stay calm during childbirth. It helps you overcome childbirth anxiety more quickly, become more peaceful, and therefore experience fewer complications during childbirth. For example, imagine yourself with your baby among flowers!

6. Relax

Sleep problems due to back pain can also occur until the final stages of pregnancy. In such cases, you can use specially designed pregnancy pillows to sleep comfortably and restfully. Pregnancy pillows allow expectant mothers to sleep more comfortably and comfortably during pregnancy.

7. Benefit from the Relaxing Effect of Water

Water has a relaxing effect. Warm water relaxes tense muscles and reduces your discomfort. In the shower, hold the water on your back or where your contractions are most intense. A short shower or bath before childbirth can also relax you, but you should consult your doctor first.

8. Discover Yourself

Only some methods may work for some. For example, the breathing techniques you learned may not work for you, but squeezing a pillow may relax you. You need to find out what makes you comfortable. Every woman’s childbirth is unique to her.

9. Try Massage Movements

Massage can help you relieve tension. As a result of the massage, you begin to release endorphins. A neck or foot massage helps you forget your contractions for a while. The person accompanying you during childbirth can apply the following three massage techniques:

• Coccyx: Press on the mother’s coccyx with your hand or a tennis ball at each contraction.
• Back and waist area: Gently move your fingertips over the mother’s shoulders and move downwards.
• Pelvic pressure: Gently pull back the mother’s hips with each contraction. This helps to open the cervix, thus slowly making way for the baby.

The excitement of becoming a mother is the same for many women. However, the process of labour and delivery varies from woman to woman and even from one birth to another for the same woman, but the signs are almost the same for everyone. When you find out about your pregnancy and visit your obstetrician, they must have asked for your last menstrual period and surely provided you with an estimated due date for your baby. However, only about 4% of births occur on these estimated dates. Therefore, expectant mothers need to have an idea about the signs of labour. If you know these signs and can monitor yourself and your baby well, you can alleviate your fears more easily as the days approach the birth.

So, how can you tell when labour is approaching? Let’s take a look together at the signs that indicate your baby is on the way!

1. Descent of the Baby

If you are a first-time mother, the baby starts to change position in your abdomen approximately a few weeks before the due date. The pressure you feel in your chest gradually diminishes, and the baby positions itself towards your pelvis. Besides the relief of starting to breathe more easily, you may also feel the pressure on your bladder more frequently. If you have given birth before, this sign may not manifest itself until the last moment.

2. Cervical Changes

Changes that occur in the cervix can give us clues about many things. In normal times, changes in cervical softness can be tracked for ovulation monitoring, and softening and dilation of the cervix also emerge as a sign that labour is approaching. However, it is difficult for you to notice this change yourself. Your doctor will want to see you more frequently as the birth approaches. During the examination, they may want to perform a vaginal examination to determine if the birth is approaching.

If you have given birth before and your vaginal opening is 1 cm or more, it can be said that your labour has begun. However, if this is your first pregnancy, this amount of dilation generally does not indicate that birth will happen immediately.

3. Increase in Contractions

Braxton Hicks contractions, which begin to be seen towards the end of pregnancy, and whose cause is not fully known, are often confused with labour contractions.

These contractions, which are an expression of preparing for childbirth, do not increase in frequency or intensity like labour contractions over time. They can occur at any time during the day. If the frequency and intensity of these contractions increase, they can be considered a sign of labour. Back pain may also accompany contractions. Ultimately, your body and bones are in significant preparation for childbirth and have no qualms about informing you.

4. Appearance of Bloody Discharge

The appearance of pink or bloody discharge is the event of the mucus that protects the uterus and the baby from external factors being expelled spontaneously during pregnancy. Having sexual intercourse in the last weeks of pregnancy can also cause this mucus layer to break down and be expelled. This mucus, which has a slight jelly-like appearance, can be pink or reddish in colour or even transparent.

The arrival of this discharge is a sign that the uterus is now ready for childbirth. The discharge may come all at once or in pieces on different days. When you encounter this discharge, you should not panic but inform your doctor.

Does the arrival of the discharge indicate that labour will start immediately? No, labour can start within a few hours or even a few days. Therefore, there is no need to panic immediately.

5. Increased Bowel Activity & Diarrhoea

As childbirth approaches, many muscles in your body besides your uterine muscles begin to relax. This relaxation also applies to the muscles in your rectum area. This situation can lead to frequent visits to the toilet and diarrhoea. Although not a cause for concern, complaints such as nausea and vomiting may also occur.

6. Weight Loss

Except for exceptional cases, women gain weight steadily throughout their pregnancies. Especially towards the last months, this gain can accelerate, and oedema may occur. However, as the birth approaches, you may stop gaining weight, your oedema may disappear, and you may even lose a few kilos. Don’t worry, the lost weight will be from you, not your baby.

7. Unexpected Burst of Energy

In the final months of pregnancy, when the abdomen is very large, movements are restricted, and there are difficulties in meeting basic needs such as breathing and sleeping, you may feel tired and restless. However, many women experience a sudden burst of energy before childbirth. Suddenly, you may find yourself discarding that tired and sluggish feeling and cleaning your house. Although it sounds strange, this may be a power given to you by nature to welcome your baby strongly and be ready for childbirth.

8. Water Breaking

The most well-known and popular sign of normal labour is the water breaking. Just as in films or series, the emphasis on a woman’s pregnancy is made with nausea, similarly, the emphasis on the beginning of childbirth is often made with the water breaking. Therefore, if your water breaks, it means that labour has begun!

Your baby develops inside the amniotic sac, which is filled with fluid, from the beginning of pregnancy. The rupture of this sac and the release of the fluid mean that the baby cannot stay in the mother’s womb any longer and is more prone to infection. Therefore, whether your water gushes all at once or comes out drop by drop, you must inform your doctor of this development. However, do not panic immediately; the breaking of your water does not mean that you will give birth right away.

When Should You Go to the Hospital?

First and foremost, talk to your doctor who is monitoring your pregnancy about what the signs of labour are and what to do in each case. Knowing when to act will reassure you and help you overcome your fear of childbirth. You may want to panic as soon as your contractions start. However, the best action is to inform your doctor about your current situation first.

If contractions are less than 5 minutes apart and last for at least 30 seconds, it’s time to go to the hospital. At this point, you need to be able to distinguish between false labour contractions and true labour contractions. If you’re not sure, you can try taking a warm shower. False contractions usually disappear after a shower. If your contractions are still ongoing and intensifying, it means labour has begun.

The last weeks of pregnancy for expectant mothers are spent in a mix of excitement to meet their babies and stress about childbirth. However, it is important to remember that childbirth, although painful, is a very different and unique experience that many women may want to experience repeatedly. Instead of fearing childbirth, try to enjoy every moment by being informed about the signs of labour. Remember, at the end of it all, something wonderful awaits you!

Towards the end of pregnancy, expectant mothers undergo many changes compared to their usual selves. One of these is the signs of impending labour. Considering these signs, you may think that labour is about to happen in the very near future. However, some signs can cast doubt on this matter for many expectant mothers. In short, the question of whether the signs belong to real labour or false labour can leave expectant mothers in doubt and confusion. So what are the signs that do not herald real labour and may mislead expectant mothers?

True Labour Signs

• Back and Lower Back Pain
• Constant, Regular, and Increasing Contractions
• Continuous Fetal Movements
• Bloody and Red Discharge

False Labour Signs

• Lower Abdominal Pain
• Brief and Irregular Contractions
• Short-Term Fetal Movements
• Brown Discharge

1. In true labour signs, severe pain is felt in the back and lower back. The false labour sign, on the other hand, is seen in the lower abdominal area. This pain we are talking about misleads pregnant women, causing them to think they are experiencing real labour pains.
2. Contractions are continuous, regular, and increasingly observed in true labour signs. This is not the case with false labour signs as false labour’s contractions are short-lived, irregular, and pass when, for example, you change your sitting position.
3. When labour signs are real, the baby’s movements are noticeable and prolonged, and the baby is constantly active. In false labour signs, the movements of your baby occur briefly.
4. When labour signs are real, vaginal discharge is bloody and red in colour. When you pay attention to your vaginal discharge and notice that it resembles brown, remember that this may not be a sign of real labour.

Most women who are worried about not recognising the onset of labour typically do realise when labour begins. Instinctively, through either intensity or frequency of contractions that leave no room for doubt, the majority head to the hospital neither too early nor too late but just in time. Of course, you don’t have to leave it all to chance. Knowing pre-labour signs and distinguishing between false and true labour signs will alleviate your surprise and concerns.

No one knows exactly what triggers labour. It is believed that a group of natural substances produced by the body (prostaglandins) play a crucial role in this process. It is known that the prostaglandins produced by the uterus during pregnancy increase significantly during normal labour. These substances trigger the muscles in the uterus and stimulate the release of oxytocin from the pituitary gland. Both are important factors in the onset of labour.

Signs of Approaching Labour

Physical changes before labour can occur as early as one hour before or up to a month before. The main feature of pre-labour is the thinning and widening of the cervix, which only your doctor can detect. However, there are various changes that you can notice:

• Engagement and descent: In first-time mothers, the baby usually starts to descend into the pelvis two to four weeks before labour begins. But in subsequent pregnancies, this sign may not be noticed.
• Increased pressure in the pelvic area and rectum: The descent of the baby increases the pressure felt in these areas.
• Weight loss or cessation of weight gain: Weight gain usually slows down in the ninth month of pregnancy, and some women even lose one or two kilos as labour approaches.
• Changes in energy levels: Women in the ninth month of pregnancy gradually feel more tired. Some, however, experience an increase in energy instead.
• Loss of the mucous plug: As the cervix thins and dilates, the mucous plug that blocks the exit of the uterus starts to dislodge. This substance is expelled from the vagina one or two weeks before the onset of real contractions or as soon as labour begins.
• Pink or bloody discharge: As the cervix widens and thins, the tiny blood vessels in that area often rupture, causing the discharge to turn pink. This ‘show’ usually indicates that labour will begin within 24 hours. However, the show can occur two to three days before labour begins. Therefore, before going to the hospital, you should wait for regular contractions to start or for your waters to break.
• Intensification of Braxton Hicks contractions: These practice contractions, which begin after the 20th week of pregnancy and are akin to rehearsals for labour, serve to prepare the muscles of the uterus for the real contractions that will push the baby. These contractions are usually painless and last between 30 seconds and 2 minutes. Towards the end of the ninth month of pregnancy, Braxton Hicks contractions become more frequent and intense. Sometimes they can be painful, making it difficult to distinguish them from real labour contractions.
• Diarrhoea: Some women may experience diarrhoea just before the onset of labour.

False Labour Signs: What Are They?

If the following symptoms are present, real labour has probably not yet begun:

• Contractions are irregular and not increasing in frequency or intensity,
• Pain is felt in the lower abdomen rather than in the back,
• Contractions subside when walking or changing positions,
• If the discharge is brown (if bright red blood is present, contact your doctor immediately),
• Fetal movements increase briefly with contractions.

Real Labour Signs: What Are They?

If pre-labour contractions become stronger and more frequent, it may be considered true labour. If the following signs are present, it is likely true labour:

• Contractions increase in intensity when you move and do not decrease with changes in position,
• Pain starts in the back and moves to the abdomen, and even to the legs,
• Contractions occur regularly and do not ease with rest (time your contractions; if they are coming every five minutes or more frequently, there is no need to panic),
• Contractions become more frequent, regular, and painful as labour progresses (their intensity also increases),
• Pink or bloody discharge is present,
• The amniotic sac ruptures (the sac surrounding the baby, containing amniotic fluid, suddenly tears open before labour).

Note: If the baby’s head has descended into the birth canal, the amount of fluid coming out will not be very much. Even if labour pains have not yet started, you should go to the hospital when your waters break because there is a risk of infection for the baby.

Is Nausea a Sign of Labour?

For many women, the onset of labour is accompanied by mild stomach contractions. These contractions can sometimes be felt as lower back pain. If labour is underway, these pains intensify, last longer, and occur more frequently. Nausea can also become widespread a day or two before the onset of labour. If you experience troubling nausea, you should see your doctor immediately.

Is a Very Active Baby a Sign of Labour?

Increased bowel movements and softening are among the easiest signs of impending labour to notice. Your body automatically empties your bowels to ease the passage of the baby.

Most women experience constipation during pregnancy due to the pressure exerted by the growing uterus on the intestines and other factors. As labour approaches, you may suddenly need to go to the toilet several times a day, have a bowel movement, and notice diarrhoea-like symptoms. If you have had several bowel movements before labour, you should share this with your doctor.

When Should You Go to the Hospital?

First and foremost, talk to your doctor who is monitoring your pregnancy about what the signs of labour are and what to do in each case. Knowing when to act will reassure you and help you overcome your fear of childbirth. You may want to panic as soon as your contractions start. However, the best action is to inform your doctor about your current situation first.

If contractions are less than 5 minutes apart and last for at least 30 seconds, it’s time to go to the hospital. At this point, you need to be able to distinguish between false labour contractions and true labour contractions. If you’re not sure, you can try taking a warm shower. False contractions usually disappear after a shower. If your contractions are still ongoing and intensifying, it means labour has begun.

The last weeks of pregnancy for expectant mothers are spent in a mix of excitement to meet their babies and stress about childbirth. However, it is important to remember that childbirth, although painful, is a very different and unique experience that many women may want to experience repeatedly. Instead of fearing childbirth, try to enjoy every moment by being informed about the signs of labour. Remember, at the end of it all, something wonderful awaits you!