You will probably find that if you haven't gone into labor yet,
your body is giving you signals that birth is imminent.
You may recognize some of these early signs that labor is near:
Loose stools
Bloody show (blood tinged mucus from the vagina), especially
after a vaginal exam from your care provider
Contractions that start and stop off and on, but probably
gradually getting stronger.
Losing the mucus plug. You will probably see this in the
toilet, if you notice its passing at all. It will look exactly like its name, a
plug of mucus about the size of a cotton ball, tinged with blood.
A rhythmic back ache.
How's Baby Doing?
The baby is still putting on weight, though more slowly
now.
The placenta is a temporary organ. It begins to break down and
become less effective after its 40 to 42 weeks are up so your care provider will
be keeping a close eye on the well-being of your baby.
Your care provider may suggest a bio-physical profile to assess
your little one's health or a non-stress or stress test to determine her
reaction to her environment. Make sure you get all the details about what tests
are advised.
