Interviewee: Director Chen Yan
Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine Affiliated International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital
Source｜Medical World Obstetrics and Gynecology Channel
With the Spring Festival approaching, families gather together in celebration. Many families may be awaiting the arrival of a new life, or they may be feeling overwhelmed due to the impending birth.
Especially as delivery approaches, pregnant women and their families often become anxious and worried. Even the slightest movement can be interpreted as a sign that labor is about to begin. So, what are the real signs that labor is about to start? And what are just empty promises?
Today, we are fortunate to have invited Director Chen Yan from the International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital affiliated with Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine to talk about things related to labor. We hope this knowledge can help you be well-informed and stay calm during labor!
What are the signs of impending labor?
The onset of labor signifies the true beginning of the labor process.
Signs of impending labor
Regular and gradually increasing uterine contractions
Accompanied by progressive disappearance of the cervical canal and dilation of the cervix
Fetal presentation descends
The regular contractions referred to here, commonly known as "labor pains," mean that contractions occur 1-2 times every 10 minutes, each lasting about 30 seconds. Only such regular and effective contractions can dilate the cervix, making it easier for the baby to be delivered.
What does "false" labor refer to?
Director Chen stated that it is difficult for pregnant women to determine whether they are experiencing regular uterine contractions.
Therefore, in addition to the diagnosis of impending labor, there is another medical diagnosis called "threatened labor." Threatened labor is also commonly referred to as "false labor."
The characteristics of contractions in the sign of impending labor include:
Contractions are short in duration (<30 seconds) and not constant, with irregular intervals and no increase in intensity;
The cervix does not dilate and the cervical canal does not shorten;
It appears at night and disappears at dawn.
In addition, there is a feeling of the baby's head descending, similar to the feeling of relief after the baby engages in the pelvis.
In addition to the above, there is another reliable sign that can indicate the onset of labor within 2-3 days: bloody show. Bloody show is caused by irregular uterine contractions separating the uterine wall and fetal membranes at the internal os of the cervix, resulting in ruptured capillaries and bleeding mixed with cervical mucus.
Director Chen stated that while spotting is a relatively reliable sign of impending labor, pregnant women should understand that if the bleeding is as heavy as a normal menstrual period, it is not spotting but may be antepartum hemorrhage, requiring immediate medical attention. Spotting alone, i.e., "blood-tinged vaginal discharge," is not a sufficient criterion for immediate hospitalization.
TIPS
The common term "false labor" refers to the identification of contractions. Not every pregnant woman experiences spotting, but contractions are a necessary sign of impending labor.
Therefore, Director Chen suggests that if pregnant women cannot distinguish between labor and false labor, they can come to the hospital for a consultation, where professional doctors can use various examination methods to assess whether the labor is real or false.
What should I do if my water breaks suddenly?
The so-called "water breaking" refers to the rupture of the amniotic sac and the leakage of amniotic fluid. It usually ruptures naturally when the cervix is nearly fully dilated during labor. Artificial rupture of the membranes can also be performed during labor to increase uterine contractions.
When it occurs before labor, it is called premature rupture of membranes, which is often heard in novels or TV dramas as "the amniotic sac has broken". Its incidence rate is about 8%.
Director Chen advises that if there are signs of significant vaginal discharge or rupture of membranes, the patient should immediately lie flat with her hips elevated and call 120 for emergency medical assistance. Being transported by ambulance ensures the pregnant woman remains supine throughout the journey. This helps prevent further rapid loss of amniotic fluid, which could lead to oligohydramnios, and also prevents umbilical cord prolapse.
In addition, if bleeding occurs in late pregnancy, it is necessary to go to the hospital immediately. Bleeding may be a sign of placental abruption or placenta previa. In such cases, it is necessary to call 120 (emergency services) and be admitted to the hospital via the green channel.
How should family members handle emergency situations?
With the Spring Festival approaching, hospital operations have likely been adjusted, causing considerable anxiety among family members. How should they handle unexpected situations and prepare for childbirth?
Director Chen suggests that around 36 weeks, when the pregnancy is nearing full term, family members can begin preparing necessary hospital supplies and keeping them in one place to quickly respond to any emergencies and facilitate a smooth admission process. Furthermore, family members should immediately calm the pregnant woman down and avoid excessive panic, which could negatively impact her emotional state.
With the Spring Festival approaching,
The editor is also here.
Best wishes to all expectant mothers!
Successful delivery, and the baby piglet is born!
The above content is exclusively authorized for use only and may not be reproduced without the copyright holder's authorization.
