Signs Of Labor 24 To 48 Hours Away is the final or ending stage of pregnancy where one or more babies leave the uterus of the mother’s body by passing through the vagina or by Caesarean section.

Giving birth to a child is different and unique for every woman, but the symptoms and signs of 24 to 48 hours labor are quite similar for each of them. Labor generally takes place for a few hours in three distinct stages.

Signs Of Labor 24 To 48 Hours Away:

Signs of labor a few days away are not very prominent and also do not show up in many cases. But before signs of labor 24 to 48 hours away, a woman can expect to experience the following:

a) Water breaking

b) Weight loss

c) Losing mucus plug or bloody show

d) Dilation of the cervix

e) Pain in the lower back

f) Loosening of joints

g) A rise in the nesting instinct

h) Active labor contractions

Let us see these Signs Of Labor 24 To 48 Hours Away is near, in detail:

Water breaking is the common name for the rupture of the amniotic sac. The sac is filled with amniotic fluid, which acts as a cushion to the baby. The sac gets ruptured as the baby’s pressure increases on the sac, and the fluid gets released. It is the “water” that breaks, and only a few drops or little wetness can be seen or felt by the mother.

The mucus plug, which is formed during pregnancy, is sealing to the opening of the cervix, and it protects the uterus from getting infected with bacteria and germs. This plug loosens and falls off as labor starts approaching. Sometimes there are traces of blood, and hence it is called the bloody show.

The ‘baby drop’ is the phenomenon where the baby drops in the pelvic area. It is a gradual process in which the baby takes its position for delivery. It is also known as ‘lightening‘ as the body feels much lighter, breathing becomes more comfortable, but urination becomes even more frequent as the baby’s pressure falls on the urinary bladder of the mother.

Symptoms of Labor 24 To 48 Hours Away:

Labor pain symptoms start showing up in the final month of pregnancy which ensures that the baby is on the way, and childbirth can happen soon. Most common signs when labor is near include:

a) Strong menstrual cramps

b) Lower backache

c) Diarrhea

d) Fatigue

e) Loose feeling joints

f) Cervix dilation

Stages of Labor in Stages:

Below are the first, second, and third stages of labor, signs of labor 24 to 48 hours away:

First Stage:

The cervix gets dilated in two phases: known as early labor and active labor. The early labour or latent phase can last for hours to days, whereas active labor lasts for 4 to 8 hours.

Second Stage:

The cervix gets fully dilated, and expulsion of the foetus takes place, and the baby is delivered. This stage can last for a few minutes to hours, depending on the mother.

Third Stage:

This final stage is also known as afterbirth: where the delivery of the placenta and membranes occur. This stage usually lasts for 5 to 30 minutes; but sometimes for an hour.

Inducing Labor Naturally:

Labor happens naturally and automatically when the mother completes her full term of pregnancy. But sometimes labor may begin before the 9 months cycle is completed. And in other cases, the process may not begin even after completion of the full-term of pregnancy (9 months). In such a case, labor can be induced using natural ways as following:

i) Exercising or long walks.

ii) Acupuncture from a licensed acupuncturist.

iii) Acupressure helps to start labor and sometimes also to relieve the discomfort.

iv) Having sex as it releases oxytocin – this helps in uterine muscle contractions.

v) Nipple stimulation also stimulates the release of oxytocin and helps the uterus to contract and helps in lactation for breastfeeding.

vi) Intake of 1-2 ounces of castor oil also stimulates prostaglandin release and helps dilate the cervix; thus one of the first signs of labor.

vii) Eating dates and having red raspberry leaf tea in the ending stages of pregnancy is a good option. These help in cervical ripening, cervical dilation, and strengthens the uterus, and prepares it for delivery of the baby.

viii) Nevertheless, natural birth is always advised. If you see a delay in seeing labor signs, the first consideration should be to wait for a few more days or weeks to let the labor start naturally since babies born from a full-term pregnancy are much healthier than premature babies.

Note: Though these ways are suggested; they must all be considered and used only after the consultation of a doctor or healthcare professional to be safe. He/she would offer advice to go for these methods only if the pregnancy has no or low complications.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1.How do you know if the labor is going to start?

Changes in energy level where tiredness increases or a sudden surge of energy are signs labor are near. Also, vaginal discharge gradually increases and thickens and also changes its color to pink with streaks of blood. This phenomenon is known as a bloody show and is a sign that labor is near.

2.Can you be in labor for 48 hours?

Yes, you can be in labor for 48 hours if delivery does not occur after 20 hours of regular contractions. This phase can be intensely tiring for the mother but does not cause any harm, and there is no need to be scared.

3.Can labor pain last for days?

Early labor or latent phase can start days or weeks before the active labor. So, the labor pain can last for days to weeks, but it again depends from one woman to another.

4.How long can early signs of labor last?

Early signs of labor can last for a few days to some weeks. It depends on the mother if she is becoming a mother for the first time, or it is a subsequent delivery. It also depends if the delivery is of a single baby or twins or more than that.

5.What triggers labor to start?

Labor naturally starts or is triggered by hormones. The hormone oxytocin, produced in the posterior pituitary gland of the hypothalamus plays a significant role in inducing labor naturally. Oxytocin helps the uterus contract during childbirth and helps produce prostaglandins, which further increase the uterine muscles’ contractions.

This hormone also helps in lactation and the movement of milk into the breast for its excretion from the nipples during breastfeeding of the new-born.