[36 Weeks Pregnant] How to tell if it's labor: Prodromal labor, bloody show, true labor, and my current record
Hello, I'm Rion. It's the time of year when the heat lingers even at night. The sound of cicadas is starting to blend with the subtle signs of autumn.
I've entered my 36th week of pregnancy. My third baby is due in early September. As the time approaches when people say, "It could happen at any moment," I find myself startled every time my stomach tightens, wondering, "Is this labor?"
What you'll learn in this article
How to distinguish between "prodromal labor" (irregular stomach tightening that feels like practice before the real thing) and "true labor"
The basics of signs that birth is near, such as "bloody show" and "water breaking"
Guidelines for when to contact your maternity clinic if you're worried
I hope this is helpful for those of you who are also reaching your final month of pregnancy and feeling restless.
What exactly is the pain of "labor"?
Labor is the movement of the uterus contracting to push the baby out. Along with these contractions, your stomach tightens and hurts.
However, as the final month approaches, "tightening that isn't the real thing" also increases. This is prodromal labor. I've also started to notice my stomach getting rock-hard more often in the evenings.
How to distinguish between prodromal labor and true labor
The best indicators are whether it is "regular" and whether it "gradually gets stronger." I've summarized this in the diagram below.
Prodromal labor usually has irregular intervals and often subsides if you rest a little. On the other hand, true labor does not stop even if you rest, and the intervals gradually become shorter while the pain intensifies.
When you're having trouble with this, try recording the time the pain occurs in your smartphone memo or on a clock. Seeing the intervals, such as "it's coming every 10 minutes," makes it easier to stay calm and make a judgment (the guidelines vary for first-time mothers and those who have given birth before, so please prioritize the instructions from your maternity clinic).
What are "bloody show" and "water breaking"?
Besides labor, there are other signs that birth is near.
Bloody show: A small amount of bleeding or discharge. It doesn't necessarily mean birth is immediate, but it is one of the signs that it is approaching
Water breaking: When the amniotic sac ruptures and amniotic fluid is released. Whether the amount is large or small, it is safer to contact your clinic early to prevent infection
*How your body feels is unique to you. The information here is general. If you have any concerning symptoms, please consult your maternity clinic instead of relying on your own judgment.
What I have decided for now
Even though this is my third child, the way it starts is different every time. This time, I am making these preparations so I don't panic.
I decided to keep my hospital bag by the front door.
Since I am a multipara, the hospital told me to call them just in case, even if my contractions are 15 minutes apart.
When I go to the hospital, I plan to have my parents-in-law look after my two older children.
Especially when you have older children, just sharing with your family 'who will do what the moment I can't move' makes a world of difference in how secure you feel.
Take a deep breath during this restless time
In the final month, I feel a mix of excitement and anxiety. I find myself worrying over every little tightening of my belly, but remembering these three things—'Is it regular? Is it getting stronger? Does it stop when I rest?'—helps me stay a little calmer.
How many weeks pregnant are you right now? And what kind of 'signs of labor' are you most concerned about? Please let me know in the comments if you'd like. It's reassuring to know there are others going through the same stage, isn't it?
If this article was even a little bit helpful, please give it a like or follow me; it encourages me to write my next record. On this note, I write about my third pregnancy, working from home, and Canva.
Thank you so much for reading until the end♡