What are grandma's tips for predicting childbirth?

Recognizing the signs of labor

The arrival of a baby is a time filled with excitement, but also uncertainty for any pregnant woman. While the exact date of a typical delivery is difficult to predict, we know that it's expected to occur between the 37th and 42nd week of amenorrhea. A range that's still a little too vague for those for whom the last few weeks are torture!
But a word of warning to expectant mothers: if at 9 months pregnant you're thinking about eating spicy foods that are supposed to induce labor, we recommend first considering a few old wives' tales to check whether the baby isn't already on its way. Not to mention some scientific indications that will allow you to more accurately detect whether your labor is imminent.

Childbirth: some signs that can reveal its arrival according to our grandmothers

You manage to get your hand between your breasts and your stomach

One of the grandmother's tricks to know if you are going to give birth is to see if you are able to pass your hand between your breasts and your belly: this can be a sign of imminent labor. This is due to the descent of the baby in the pelvis, which frees up space between the breasts and the belly. Well, this remains to be proven, each human body is different and we strongly doubt that this advice is valid for twin pregnancies! What is certain is that the descent of the fetus towards the pelvis causes pressure on the cervix.

You have a sudden urge to transform your home into a cozy nest

Another old wives' tale for predicting that D-Day is approaching is called "nesting." Some pregnant women experience a sudden and intense urge to prepare their home for their baby. This can manifest as a surge of energy, a frenzy of cleaning the bathroom, a furious need to decorate the baby's room, or an overwhelming urge to tidy their house from top to bottom. This urge to prepare the nest is considered by some to be a sign that labor is near.

The full moon

It's common to hear that we're more fertile or that there are more births during full moons. Myth or reality? According to this popular belief, the fact that the lunar cycle lasts 28 days like the menstrual cycle can't be due to chance, so we'd have a better chance of getting pregnant on a full moon night. Since the moon also influences the tides, it affects our internal fluids, particularly amniotic fluid, and promotes the rupture of the water bag. We'd like to believe it, but no scientific study has yet established a correlation between the moon and pregnancy.

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The real signs of imminent labor

While these tips can be fun to consider, it's essential to know the more concrete signs of impending labor. Here are some of the signs commonly observed by healthcare professionals:

Loss of mucus plug

The mucus plug is a thick, gelatinous substance that blocks the entrance to the cervix during pregnancy, acting as a protective barrier against infection. As labor approaches, some pregnant women suddenly notice heavier discharge, which cannot be confused with vaginal discharge. It can be pink, brownish, or even slightly bloody. According to a study conducted in France and published in the Journal of Gynecology, Obstetrics and Reproductive Biology in 2020, the loss of the mucus plug is one of the first signs of approaching labor, although its accuracy as a predictor can vary.

Water breaks

Rupture of membranes, commonly referred to as "water breaking," occurs when the amniotic sac surrounding the baby ruptures, releasing amniotic fluid. This rupture of the membranes causes a leak or discharge of fluid, which should be a reliable sign of imminent labor and therefore a time to rush to the maternity ward.

Intense contractions lasting more than 40 seconds

Uterine contractions are also a key sign of impending labor. While false contractions, often called Braxton Hicks contractions, can be felt throughout pregnancy, real contractions become regular, intense, and typically last longer than 40 seconds. You should quickly notice the difference, and even if in doubt, don't hesitate to contact your maternity ward, who will be able to tell you whether or not these are false alarms.

I'm past my due date: what should I do?

It's common for a pregnant woman to go past her due date. In fact, only about 5% of women actually give birth on their due date. However, if you're past your due date and wondering what to do, here are some tips:

Stay calm: Stress and anxiety can delay labor and therefore lead to a longer pregnancy. Try to relax and rest as much as possible.

Maintain light physical activity: Light walks or relaxation exercises can help stimulate labor. According to a study conducted in France and published in the Journal of Gynecology, Obstetrics and Reproductive Biology in 2017, moderate physical activity during pregnancy can reduce the duration of labor.

Having sex: Sexual intercourse releases hormones called prostaglandins, which can trigger uterine contractions. Rest assured, sex during pregnancy poses no health risks to the expectant mother or baby and can be considered an option to stimulate labor.

Monitor for signs of labor: Continue to monitor for signs of impending labor, such as regular contractions, loss of the mucus plug, and water breaking. If you notice these signs or have any concerns, contact your midwife or healthcare professional immediately for advice.

In conclusion, if the last few days before giving birth seem endless, there are a few tips to help you keep an eye on your baby's arrival. The important thing is to listen to your body, trust yourself, and enjoy these last moments with your baby in the warmth.

Are you worried about the postpartum period? We'll tell you all about the baby blues in our dedicated article.