The proximity of the delivery date makes the mother focus completely on the birth. The symptoms described for the previous months do not change significantly. The uterus, now having reached its final size, presses against the bladder, and the mother needs to urinate more frequently. During the days before the birth, the mucous plug may drop. This announces that the cervix has become shorter and slightly dilated.
At a certain point the uterine contractions change, becoming regular, intense and painful. This is when labor begins, meaning that there are only a few hours remaining until birth. At other times, the closeness of the birth is announced by the rupture of the amnios, the sac that contains the amniotic liquid where the fetus is immersed. This is evident by the sudden elimination of amniotic fluid through the vagina. The mother is unable to control this as she can with urine.
The premature rupture of the membranes should be communicated to the doctor immediately. Genital bleeding is also a serious reason for concern. Should it occur, the mother must go to a hospital urgently.
The fetal movements are felt by the mother until the very end of the pregnancy. The decrease or absence of fetal activity is a reason for alarm; the doctor should be called immediately.
Once delivery takes place, the anatomical and functional changes that the mother suffered will disappear. Breastfeeding now becomes the physical connection, forming the closest of ties between the mother and her baby.
The return of menstruation and fertile capacity varies greatly from one woman to another. It has been demonstrated that these processes are directly related both to the success of nursing and to the general health of the mother.
