labor
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Clinical manifestations
- lightening occurs when the baby drops or settles lower in the pelvis
- dyspnea may lessen because the lungs have more room to expand
- increased pressure in the pelvis
- urinary frequency may increase
- usually occurs several weeks prior to first delivery
- in subsequent births, it may happen hours before delivery
- bloody show
- as the cervix thins & starts to dilate, small capillaries burst & cause a a small quantity of pink or brown vaginal discharge
- vaginal bleeding is abnormal
- the mucous plug, which has sealed the cervix throughout pregnancy, dislodges
- can occur anywhere from hours to several weeks before delivery
- as the cervix thins & starts to dilate, small capillaries burst & cause a a small quantity of pink or brown vaginal discharge
- nesting instinct
- some women notice a burst of energy a few days prior to going into labor
- nausea & diarrhea
- abdominal cramping
- increased Braxton Hicks contractions
More general terms
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References
- ↑ eMedicinehealth: Labor signs http://www.emedicinehealth.com/labor_signs/article_em.htm