HOW WILL I KNOW I’M IN LABOUR?

Q:I’m 25 weeks pregnant with my first child. What if I don’t recognise labour pains and my baby is in danger?

A:Tina answers: Some signs that labour could be approaching are slowing down of weight gain, change in energy levels and change in vaginal discharge. More definite signs are pressure in the rectum and pelvis, cramps and groin pain with persistent lower backache, loss of mucus plug and diarrhoea. When labour starts for real, your contractions will intensify. They radiate from your lower back to the lower abdomen and even down the legs. They become progressively more frequent, regular and painful.