Amniotic fluid discharge

Roughly one in ten births is announced by the rupture of the amniotic membrane. Amniotic-fluid discharge usually occurs without any preceding symptoms. There may be a "popping" sound and the amniotic fluid may drain in a strong stream or in smaller portions. The discharge may also occur at the resting position during the night. After the amniotic fluid has discharged, regular contractions may not yet occur, but this is always a reason for admission to the delivery room. Normally, amniotic fluid is a clear liquid with a slightly sweetish odor. It may also be slightly pinkish. In this case, it is sufficient to be brought to the maternity hospital within 4 hours after the discharge. However, if the amniotic fluid is cloudy – brown or green, or you have a positive vaginal culture for Streptococcus agalactiae, you should get to the hospital earlier – within 2 hours after the discharge.
The discharge of mucus plugs is manifested by the discharge of phlegm, which may be mixed with blood. The discharge of a mucus plug itself is not a reason for going to the maternity ward. It may mean that the baby will be born within a few days, but this cannot be taken as a rule.

Periodic uterine contractions

Painful uterine contractions, so-called labour pains or contractions, are the most common sign of an incipient delivery, but it is not always thesign of the labour in progress. As early as a few weeks before the delivery, "preparatory" pains or "runners" may appear. They are manifested with painful abdomen hardening or pain in the lower abdomen and sacrum. Sometimes they can be more intense and can be confused with the delivery onset. However, they are usually irregular, short and do not increase in intensity. Unlike true labor contractions, "runners" do not have an opening effect. Taking a warm bath is a good idea to solve them. If these contractions weaken or stop in warm water, there is no need to worry. Try not to pay too much attention to them and relax. The real labour may start only within a few days. Labour pains, which have an opening effect, begin with regular contractions of the uterine muscles. Mothers-to-be perceive them as painful hardening of the abdomen. These contractions last for about 40 seconds. At first they are rather irregular, but later the intervals between them become shorter and the length and intensity of the pain become longer.
Contractions can be felt as pain in the whole abdomen or as cramps in the sacrum and groin. You should go to the maternity ward when the contractions come regularly every five minutes and last like that for at least 2 hours.

Bleeding

Approaching labor may be announced by slight bleeding or staining. The nature of the blood matters, if it is old dark blood or light mucousy blood, be calm. Should there be heavier bleeding of bright red blood, you need to go to the maternity ward. Do not be worried if you stain slightly after the gynaecologist's check-up, it is a normal occurrence.

Doubts about fetal movements

In case of a significant change in the intensity of fetal movements – very weak or no fetal movements for an unusually long period of time or very intense or painful fetal movements – it is advisable to come to the delivery-room clinic for a check-up.

Referral by the district gynaecologist

If your doctor reffers you for a check-up or hospitalisation, please come to the delivery-room clinic as advised by your doctor.