Because your baby is no longer pushing as much on your lungs, you may also notice that you can breathe more easily. After your baby drops, increased pressure on your pelvis and bladder may cause you to urinate more frequently. [2] X Research source
This may occur because your body is trying to make more room for the baby to be born.
Effacement is when your cervix softens, shortens, and thins out. It’s measured in percentages, and your cervix must be 100% effaced before you can have a vaginal delivery. [6] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source Your cervix also dilates, or opens, as your body prepares for delivery. It’s measured on a scale from 0 cm to 10 cm, where 0 means your cervix isn’t dilated at all, and 10 cm means you’re fully dilated and ready to deliver. [7] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source
Also, Braxton-Hicks contractions may vary in intensity, but they will not get consistently stronger the way real contractions will. They also tend to be concentrated in the lower abdomen, while real contractions are often felt in the lower back as well. Braxton-Hicks contractions often happen at the end of the day or when you’re physically active.
If you notice unexplained spotting, always go to your doctor to get checked out.
Some women will not experience their water breaking at all before they start having contractions. If you’re having regular contractions or other signs of labor, do not wait for your water to break before you call your doctor. [12] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source
While most women experience these pains to some degree, about 1/4 of women have severe pain in their backs during delivery, which is called back labor.
If you have bleeding that is as heavy as a normal menstrual period, call your doctor right away.
