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Signs that labour may be about to start include:
1) Vomiting / Diarrhoea
2) General Achiness/ Pressure low down
3) Nesting - Cleaning everything in sight!!
You will know you are in labour when:
1) Your contractions are regular, strong and lasting between 30 and 60 seconds.
2) If your waters break (this may be a trickle or a gush), phone your gynae immediately. You are usually given a 24hr period in which to birth then, as the risk of infection increases.
3) If you have a show (the mucous plug), dont get too excited, labour can sometimes take up to 2 weeks to begin after presentation of a show!! But, inform your caregiver immediately.
4) Labour can be in the front or in your back, you may feel tightening in both places, or just in one area. And if in doubt - contact your caregiver for more advice!
Kerry is a Doula and Labour Coach. For more info contact her on tums2tots@telkomsa.net.
