Every aspect of pregnancy – symptoms, labor-pain and childbirth, et al – is an altogether different story. Yet, there are certain underlying similarities between them and they exhibit some common signs. The same can be said of the signs of labor.

The first and foremost sign of labor is the Braxton Hicks contractions. At term, 37 weeks or more, an expecting mother starts having frequent and regular contractions. Although these contractions start pretty early towards the beginning of the third trimester, they tend to become stronger in intensity and stay longer when the true labor starts.

The contractions, in effect, cause the cervix to dilate, easing childbirth. This process has been medically termed as the ripening of the cervix and is characterized by the softening as well as thinning out of the cervix.

In the advanced stage, the baby drops lower into the pelvis (some women even experience this dropping). Consequently, a pregnant woman experiences an increased pressure in the pelvic region.

Mucus discharge is another symptom of labor. Sometimes the mucus has hints of blood in it and appears a bit brownish, pink, or even red.

Water break, leakage of the amniotic fluid, is rather an alarming sign of labor! It is a cause of great concern for both the mother’s and the baby’s well being – the mother is at the risk of developing infection and the child may be adversely affected. This as well as a drop in the baby’s activity in the womb should signal a quick consultation with the gynecologist.

Parenthood is something, which brings immense changes in the lives of both the people who have newly acquired the statures of mother and father. And presumably enough, change is always difficult. Though both of the parents need to get used to the new pattern of their lives and the new person, for women, motherhood comes naturally whereas for fathers these are difficult waters to navigate. A little bit of balancing act and patience, though, can make it easier for a dad to handle the changes and to understand what is a dad’s role during pregnancy.

The balancing act:
It is very essential to get accustomed to the shifting priorities of life. New dads often feel very neglected, unloved and unattended by their partners. But at this juncture of life, it’s essential to support one’s spouse who has newly usurped the role of a mother. This new role can lead to lack of sex, intimacy attention on her part. But that’s expected because a large part of her quality time needs to be devoted to the baby. A new father has to learn to support his wife and child first and then think about his own needs. He has to be involved physically and emotionally and at the same time provide for the family. Balancing the demands of both the professional and personal lives is an important aspect of the dad’s role during pregnancy.

What one gains?
Despite the sleepless nights, increasing responsibilities, juggling of time, lack of attention on the spouse’s part, fatherhood is one of the most fulfilling transformations for man. It’s a rewarding experience because that helps a man to understand oneself. A little understanding, a little patience and sharing one’s own feeling with the spouse and close friends, help to handle the situation efficiently.