In addition to the so-called \”hardware\” preparations that have become common practice, the following \”software\” preparations should also be made:
Most mothers can predict the day when their due date will be, but they cannot predict when it will be. Generally speaking, the uterus contracts regularly during labor. The abdomen becomes hard during contractions, and when contractions stop, the uterus relaxes and the abdomen becomes soft. There are also some changes that you may not have noticed, such as:
1) The mother feels that the fetus is about to fall, which means that the fetus\’ head has sunk into the mother\’s pelvis. This usually occurs in the week or hours before delivery.
2) Increased leucorrhea. This is due to the thick secretions that build up in the cervix during pregnancy. Because of its thickness, it often acts as a plug to block secretions. When labor occurs and the cervix is swollen, the plug does not work, so secretions come out. This phenomenon often occurs a few days before or just before labor.
3) A thin stream or jet of discharge from the vagina. This is called a rupture of the membranes or breaking of the water. This phenomenon often occurs a few hours before or close to delivery.
4) Frequent cramps or back pain. This is caused by the alternating contractions and relaxations of the uterus. These contractions will intensify as labor approaches. Pain is inevitable as the cervix dilates and the fetus is delivered from the reproductive tract. This phenomenon only occurs in the early stages of labor.