Is it time ?

I used to believe our local home movies when they are showing a woman in labor, till I had my own experience.

At least my own episode did not start with me screaming and holding my waist, while my husband frantically searching for the car keys, everybody running up and down and all the funny acts usually shown.

Every expectant Mama keeps wondering , how will I know when I am in labor ? Except you have a scheduled and planned  Cesarean Section (CS), like I did for my second pregnancy.

When we get to the last month of pregnancy, a lot of women get anxious, they want the baby to come immediately. It's always the hardest stage. And you can't be blamed because you have been through a lot and just want to get it over with ! hahaha

Some are anxious to meet their bundle of joy ,while a lot are just afraid of the process of child birth and can't wait to have it done with especially for first time Mums. I was a mixture of both feelings.

Well, again every woman's labor is different. So pinpointing when yours begins can be a bit tricky.

Labor is more of a process than a single event, when a number of changes in your body work together to help you to give birth..

However some common signs of the start of labor may include :

•Persistent lower back pain or abdominal pain, with a pre-menstrual feeling and cramps.

•Painful contractions that occur at regular and increasingly shorter intervals, becoming longer and stronger in intensity

•Broken waters. Your membranes may rupture with a gush or a trickle of amniotic fluid. Either way, call your maternity unit to let them know, or head straight to the hospital.

• Show :A brownish or blood-tinged mucus discharge (called show). If you pass the mucus plug that blocks the cervix, labor could be imminent,

•Disrupted sleep

Of course by now your bag(s) are packed and ready. I hope !

Its always best to get to the hospital if you have any of these symptoms so you can be checked . Its better to be sure you are okay and probably sent back home , than to get yourself into an emergency .

Except your hospital is a walking distance from your house or office. You should not take a risk especially if you live in a place where the traffic can be  unpredictable.

Bringing a baby into the world is an amazing achievement. But it's hard work, and it's natural to be nervous when you're not sure what to expect. 

In all these, please try very well to follow the instructions of the nurses and Doctors ,to make things a bit easy for everybody.

As labor progresses, complications may come in which may require that you have your baby by a Caesarean section, do not panic or try to resist.

Sadly lot of women have lost their babies or even their lives due to the mindset very common in my country Nigeria that a Caesarean birth is a sign that you are a weak woman and so  should be avoided at all costs. Its totally untrue. Labor is not a time to show your strength please .  Remember, the most important thing is a healthy Mama and Baby to make the joy complete. So listen to the people attending to you and follow their instructions and advice.

Confused about what to pack in your hospital bag ?

Request from your hospital to give you a list or guide , but most common items include :

1.For the mother

• Pajamas or nightgown
• Nursing Bras
• Post partum Sanitary pads 
• Underwear
• Toiletries
• A nice going home outfit
• Towel

2.For the baby

• Warm clothing
• Shawl
• Socks
• Caps
• Mittens (hand gloves)
• Towels
• Toiletries

This is just a guide ,I am sure the list from your hospital will have lots more .

Congratulations ! You did it !