Articles
Signs of labor: Know what to expect
Effacement: Thinning of the cervix
Dilation: Opening of the cervix
Increase in vaginal discharge
Nesting: Spurt of energy
Rupture of membranes: Your water breaks
Contractions: When labor pains begin
Content
Thinning of the cervix
Opening of the cervix
Increasing vaginal discharge
Feeling the baby has dropped lower
Water breaking
Contractions
Expect false alarms
Dilation: Opening of the cervix
Increase in vaginal discharge
Nesting: Spurt of energy
Rupture of membranes: Your water breaks
Contractions: When labor pains begin
Content
Thinning of the cervix
Opening of the cervix
Increasing vaginal discharge
Feeling the baby has dropped lower
Water breaking
Contractions
Expect false alarms
Nesting: Spurt of energy
You might wake up one morning feeling energetic, eager to fill the freezer with prepared meals, set up the crib and arrange your baby's outfits according to color. This urge is commonly known as the nesting instinct.
Nesting can begin at any time during pregnancy but for some women it's a sign that labor is approaching. Do what you must, but don't wear yourself out. Save your energy for the harder work of labor ahead.
