#asktheexpert I am now 8 month complete and 9th month 15 days pregnant. This is my first pregnancy. How can I know that my labour pain will start?? I have faced two times pain in thighs and waist and feel some pressure on vagina. but after some time the pain is just like no pain. what should I do??

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Congratulations on your pregnancy! As you're approaching your due date, it’s natural to wonder when labor will begin and what signs to look out for. Here are some key signs that labor might be approaching, along with an explanation of the thigh pain you've been experiencing:

Common Signs That Labor Is Near:

1. Braxton Hicks Contractions: These are practice contractions that can occur in the weeks leading up to labor. They are usually irregular, not very painful, and go away with movement or a change of position. Sometimes they can be mistaken for labor contractions.

2. Thigh Pain or Pelvic Pressure: As your baby drops into the pelvic area (called "lightening"), you may feel increased pressure in your pelvis, hips, or thighs. This can cause aching or sharp pains in your thighs or lower back. This could be one of the signs that labor is getting closer, but it's not necessarily an indicator that labor is imminent.

3. Cervical Changes: In the weeks leading up to labor, your cervix begins to soften, thin out (efface), and dilate (open up). These changes might cause mild cramping or back pain. Your doctor or midwife can check your cervix to monitor any progress.

4. Increased Discharge or Bloody Show: You might notice an increase in vaginal discharge or see a small amount of mucus mixed with blood, which is known as the "bloody show." This can happen a few days or even weeks before labor begins. It’s a sign that your cervix is starting to open.

5. Water Breaking: In some cases, labor begins when the amniotic sac breaks, and fluid leaks out. If your water breaks, contact your healthcare provider, as this often signals that labor is starting.

6. Back Pain or Lower Abdominal Cramps: Some women experience lower back pain, cramping, or a dull ache in their abdomen as they approach labor. This can be a sign of contractions starting.

7. Regular Contractions: As true labor begins, you will start experiencing regular contractions that increase in frequency, intensity, and duration. Unlike Braxton Hicks, real contractions don’t go away with movement and progressively get stronger.

Thigh Pain in Pregnancy:

The pain you are experiencing in your thighs might be related to the following:

Pelvic Pressure: As your baby descends into the pelvis in preparation for labor, you may feel increased pressure on your pelvic area, hips, and thighs.

Round Ligament Pain: Stretching of the ligaments that support your uterus can cause sharp pain in the lower abdomen or thighs.

Sciatic Nerve Pressure: As the baby grows and moves down, it can place pressure on the sciatic nerve, leading to discomfort in the thighs, lower back, and buttocks.

When to Contact Your Healthcare Provider:

If you experience regular, painful contractions that come every 5 minutes for an hour, this could be a sign of active labor.

If your water breaks (a large gush or steady trickle of fluid).

If you experience severe or persistent pain in the lower abdomen, back, or thighs that doesn’t go away.

If you see heavy bleeding, more than a small amount of mucus or bloody show.

Since this is your first pregnancy, labor could start anytime in the next few weeks, but it’s always a good idea to stay in touch with your healthcare provider and let them know about any changes you experience.

Wishing you a safe and smooth delivery!