While most women are mentally stronger and more confident in their second pregnancy, it's important to realize that not everything is the same as the first pregnancy, especially when it comes to labor. The body has changed so much since the birth of your first child that your second pregnancy and delivery may be very different. Therefore, you should prepare yourself for these differences and learn to recognize the signs of labor.
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Part 1 of 3: Recognizing the Signs of Labor
Step 1. Check if the membranes have ruptured
Usually, women recognize that labor is about to begin as soon as they feel the "rupture of membranes". This event is the spontaneous rupture of the amniotic membrane, which then triggers the start of uterine contractions.
Step 2. Pay attention to the contractions you feel
Count the frequency of contractions. Initially, contractions are felt every 10 to 15 minutes, but gradually become more frequent, about every 2 to 3 minutes.
- Uterine contractions were defined as “cramping”, “tightness in the abdomen”, “discomfort”, and varying in intensity of pain, from mild to extreme.
- Uterine contractions in labor are measured by CTG (cardiotocography), an instrument that is placed over the abdomen. This device measures uterine contractions and fetal heart rate.
Step 3. Know the difference between true contractions and Braxton-Hicks contractions
There is such an important difference between the two contractions that Braxton-Hicks contractions are also called “fake” contractions, which occur only a few times a day without increasing in intensity or frequency. Usually, these false contractions occur in the 26th week of pregnancy, but they can happen later.
- Many women also experience "fake" contractions during late pregnancy, but these contractions can suddenly turn into real contractions in a second pregnancy.
- Therefore, if you are pregnant with your second child, don't underestimate Braxton-Hicks contractions. It could be a sign of labor.
Step 4. Check if the mucus plug is open
When the mucus plug opens, you can tell that labor is imminent, usually within a few hours or a day or two.
- When the mucus plug opens, you will see a small amount of blood. In the second pregnancy, the mucus plug tends to open earlier than the first pregnancy.
- The reason is, after the first pregnancy, the uterine muscles become weaker and with strong and frequent contractions, the uterine wall begins to shed more quickly.
Step 5. Look at your belly
You may notice that your stomach may be getting lower and breathing easier. This is because the baby has descended into the pelvis, ready to be born.
In addition, you may feel the need to urinate every 10-15 minutes. This is a clear indication that the baby is moving into its proper position to find its way into the world
Step 6. Consider whether the content feels “lighter”
It is reported that many women feel that their baby is "lighter". This happens due to the fact that the head of the fetus is already descending into the pelvis, ready to see the world.
In addition to this subjective feeling, the frequency of urination also increases due to increased pressure on the bladder by the fetus
Step 7. Feel if the cervix is starting to open
The cervix undergoes structural and functional changes when the above signs occur. When labor begins, the cervix slowly dilates to open the birth canal.
Initially, the cervix is usually only a few centimeters dilated. When it reaches an opening of 10 cm, it usually means you are ready to give birth
Step 8. Recognize that cervical incompetence is possible
The occurrence of cervical dilation without uterine contractions may be a case of cervical incompetence. This case is often called a weak cervix, or cervical dilation that occurs in the second trimester of pregnancy. This condition should be evaluated as soon as possible by a doctor because it can negatively affect the development of the fetus and can even lead to miscarriage.
- Cervical incompetence is one of the most common causes of miscarriage and preterm birth in the second trimester. Therefore, early diagnosis of cervical incompetence is very important. This condition can be diagnosed during regular check-ups by the doctor who is monitoring your pregnancy, through a physical exam.
- Patients with cervical incompetence complain of mild cramping in the lower abdomen or vagina. This diagnosis can be reached by considering the complaint and the patient's history.
- Risk factors for cervical incompetence include infection, history of cervical surgery, and cervical trauma and injury in previous deliveries.
Part 2 of 3: Getting a Medical Diagnosis
Step 1. Consider FFN
If you want to know for sure whether you are going to give birth, there are several advanced diagnostic procedures that can be performed, such as FFN or Fetal Fibro Nectin Test.
- The FFN can't tell you if you're in labor, but it can confirm that you're not in labor yet. This test is useful because in the early stages of preterm labor, it is very difficult to know whether labor has started with just symptoms or an examination of the openings.
- A negative FFN result can reassure you and reassure you that labor won't occur for at least another week or two.
Step 2. Ask the midwife or doctor to examine the opening of the birth canal
The midwife or doctor can feel the size of the opening by examining the cervix. In most cases, when the opening is 1 to 3 centimeters, the midwife will inform you that you have entered the first stage of labour.
- When the midwife feels an opening of 4 to 7 centimeters, you may be told that labor is in the active or second stage of labor.
- When the opening reaches 8 to 10 centimeters, the midwife or doctor will tell you that it's time for the baby to be born.
Step 3. Have the midwife or doctor check the baby's position
Midwives also have the experience to know if the baby's head is down and whether it has entered the pelvis.
- The midwife may look down and feel your lower abdomen, above the bladder, or insert a finger into the birth canal to feel the baby's head and assess how far it is progressing.
- This test will help confirm that you are in labor and will also tell you which stage of labor you are currently in.
Part 3 of 3: Knowing the General Differences Between First and Second Pregnancy
Step 1. Be aware that the pelvis may not react immediately to the second delivery
You will feel a certain difference between your first and second pregnancy, which may raise some questions.
- In the first pregnancy, the baby's head enters the pelvis more quickly than in the second pregnancy.
- In the second pregnancy, the baby's head may not enter the pelvis until labor begins.
Step 2. Be prepared because the second delivery may be sooner than the first
The second labor process tends to be faster and shorter than the first.
- In the first labor, the uterine muscles are thicker and take longer to dilate, but in later labors, the opening occurs more quickly. By the second delivery, the vaginal muscles and pelvic floor muscles have stretched and become looser.
- This helps the second baby to be born faster and labor is less difficult for you.
Step 3. Take a body position that will reduce the chance of an episiotomy
If you had an episiotomy or had a tear in a previous delivery and are still traumatized, the best advice to avoid it in your second labor is to have an upright position and push through in the second stage of labour.
- When you are upright, you are actually using Newton's simple scientific theory of gravity, the force of gravity will push the baby out without tearing your body.
- However, this is not a sure way to avoid an episiotomy. Some women still need an episiotomy even after doing so.
