If you are pregnant and heavy with child for over 36 weeks, then start stuffing the bag that you will bear in your labor room. For suitability, you can prepare a list of handy things that may help you at time of labor so that you have no regret of parting certain important accessories at home. It is not possible to equip yourself properly at time of contraction and crises, so you can do goodwill to yourself by arranging every thing ahead of time.

The most important possession for your packing should be the hospital registration papers and the insurance card, which are necessary for admission in hospital. To feel as comfortable as possible during labor, equip yourself with your favorite pillow. Carry a non-slippery slipper so that you can walk down the aisle as your labor progresses.

Take a wrapper and a pair of socks to keep you warm. Dry mouth is a very common indication during labor, so have lollipops to keep your mouth soggy and apply lip gel for moisturizing your lips. Brushing the teeth before labor can help you feel refreshed and stress-free.

For rubbing your back as counter-pressure during labor, your can carry a pair of tennis balls. If you have specs, then do carry them because doctors do not allow patients to wear contact lenses during delivery. Carry your camera to capture the special souvenirs of your life.

Lastly, keep the phone list of your friends and relatives along with the long distance calling card very near to you, incase of emergency it would be helpful.

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.