What You Should Know About Pregnancy: Pre-labor Near End of Pregnancy

This is one of a series of articles on pregnancy. For more information about pregnancy and birth options, see my other articles including my series on homebirth.

Labor and Delivery

Labor and delivery is the grand finale, and you're almost there. After labor and delivery, you get to meet your baby for the first time. It is a very emotional time, both before and after the delivery, and some women report that they don't "feel" like a mother until their first baby finally arrives. Have no fear if you feel you don't have a mothering instinct or you don't feel bonded to your baby. Hormones are released during labor and delivery that help cement the mothering instinct and your bond with your baby. That's part of the reason that the way you birth is so important.

Emotional Changes

You may feel afraid of the unknown (or the known, if this is not your first baby) as labor and delivery approach. You may feel stronger braxton hicks and wear yourself out with "Is this it?" and be impatient for your baby to get here. This is totally normal. You're probably sick of being pregnant by now and just want this part over with so you can get your body back, as well.

Physical Changes

Your hips will have widened and your pelvis will have loosened up so that the baby can pass through. This could cause joint pain and other aches, as well as lower back pain. It will go away soon after delivery.

Your breasts are producing colostrum, the pre-milk that is high in antibodies and fats and proteins that your baby needs in the first few weeks. Even after your milk comes in, your body will continue to produce colostrum for several weeks after the birth.

Braxton hicks contractions will be increasing as delivery nears. They may become uncomfortable and sometimes they settle into a pattern, which can make you wonder if you're in labor. To know if you're in labor, drink some water and lay down. If they're braxton hicks, they'll eventually peter out. If they're not, they'll increase in urgency after a time and you'll know you're in labor. You may have several bouts of pre-labor before labor begins.

You're almost there!

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