What Really Happens To Your Body When You’re In Labor

Delivering a new life is probably one the greatest miracles a woman’s body can perform, but it also happens to be the most painful one – ever! If you’re a soon-to-be mommy or are planning to become one soon, you’re probably wondering as to just what occurs in your body at D-day – that is, labor time. Well, here’s what doctors say you can expect.

1. It Starts With Your Water Breaking

One of the first signs that your labor has commenced is when your water breaks. Medically this process is referred to as “spontaneous rupture of membranes” and it involves the amniotic sac holding your baby to rupture, causing the amniotic flood to consequently leak (1).

But just like every part of delivery differs with each woman, you too can experience your water breaking slightly differently. It could feel like a “subtle leakage” or a “big cascade” of fluid and you may or may not experience uterine contractions – it varies with each woman.

2. Your Fatigue And Hunger Fade Away

Since giving birth involves your body doing intense physical work, you may think that this would make you famished. But, according to Dr. Stephanie Romero, OB-GYN, that’s just not the case (2). She says a lot of to-be mommies get worried regarding not eating when they go into labor; however, during this time you just don’t feel hungry – and eating’s never on your mind.

3. The Contractions Arrive

Contractions are the most widely recognized aspect of labor. Once a woman enters labor, her uterus – through a series of hormonal events – begins to contract in order to push the baby out. Now, contractions may be excruciating but they’re essential to bringing one’s child into this world.

When a woman is closer to term, i.e. at around 38 to 42 weeks, her uterus (which happens to be one very large muscle) can begin to contract sporadically. This phenomenon is known as Braxton-Hicks (read: early contractions) and isn’t a sign of actual labor (3). It’s just your body’s way of preparing you for D-day. Actual labor, on the other hand, has regular and painful uterine contractions. If they occur every 3-5 minutes for roughly 2 hours, know that early labor has begun.

4. Back Pain Makes An Appearance

Once the contractions arrive, they bring with them back pain. In fact, according to doctors, one of the earliest clues to tell you you’re experiencing contractions is the appearance of back pain. The pain can be constant and could radiate to your abdomen as well.

5. Mucus Is Produced

Bodily fluids are a part and parcel of the birth process. And one of these fluids happens to be mucus. According to doctors, a pregnant woman usually has a “mucus plug” inside, which covers her cervix, thereby protecting her unborn child from potential infections (4). When she gets closer to delivering her baby, however, this mucus plug will begin to loosen and consequently separate from her cervix.

Now, this plug separation is actually a precursor to labor – you could find it in your underwear weeks beforehand, so don’t panic. But if this gray, sticky plug won’t come out before labor time, it will definitely appear during labor.

6. The Cervix “Disappears”

During the delivery, your cervix will pull a “disappearing and reappearing” act like none other! Basically, it moves, thins out, and outwardly disappears. This is because, as contractions occur, the cervix shifts from a posterior (read: behind) to an anterior (read: front) position in your vajayjay. It will then begin to thin out and start dilating in order to accommodate your baby’s head as it passes through the birth canal. But don’t worry, once the delivery is over, the cervix is magically restored to its natural tiny shape.

7. Your Vajayjay Stretches

Just like your cervix goes through some major changes during the delivery, so does your vajayjay! While giving birth, this muscular tube will also stretch in order to allow passage for the baby’s head (thanks to some increased lubrication) as it is pushed out of your womb. Now, some to-be mommies often wonder how this phenomenon feels. Well, according to healthcare experts, most women are reported to have described it as being very similar to the sensation one experiences while needing to pass a bowel movement.

As for those of you who are pondering on just what will happen to this part of your anatomy post the delivery – rest assured. It may not go back to being exactly as it was before your delivery; however, it will eventually heal and the uncomfortable swelling will subside.

Childbirth is a beautiful, miraculous event. And it’s also very scary. But as the saying goes, “The root of all fear lies in the unknown.” So, we hope that now that you’re more aware of what you can expect from this experience, you will be a little less afraid and a little more prepared.

Wishing you a happy and safe delivery!

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Chandrama Deshmukh

   

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