This information should not take the place of visiting with your healthcare
provider. If you have any additional questions, call the Birthing Center at
712.755.4244.
Your safety and well-being are our top priorities. Even if you feel that
what you're experiencing isn't too serious, it's always wiser to err on
the side of caution. Please call the Birthing Center at
712.755.4244 to schedule a visit and ensure that everything is alright with both you and baby.
What does it mean if I am bleeding during pregnancy?
Vaginal bleeding during the first trimester is common, occurring in approximately
25% of all pregnancies. It is important to always inform your maternity
provide, no matter what stage of pregnancy you are in, when spotting or
bleeding has occurred, especially if you start experiencing additional
symptoms such as:
Low back pains,
Abdominal cramping,
Feeling lightheaded and/or weakness,
Begin running a high fever and/or experiencing chills.
How do I know if I am in labor?
Sometimes it is hard to distinguish between what is true labor or just
your body preparing for labor. Here are some common differences to help
determine the difference between true labor and false labor:
True Labor Signs
Contractions are happening at regular intervals and get closer together over time
Contractions increase in length and strength
Discomfort usually begins in the back and radiates around to the abdomen
Contractions increase while walking and changing position and do not stop
when changing positions or resting
False Labor Signs
Contractions are not consistent and do not get closer together
Discomfort is usually in the front of the abdomen
Walking has not effect on or lessens contractions, may stop if you change positions
It is always encouraged for moms to rest, eat a well-balanced diet, and
drink at least eight glasses of water per day which can help with the
frequency of Braxton Hicks occurring.
Did my water just break?
Your water may have broken if you experience:
A popping feeling followed by a gush or trickle of fluid from your vagina.
Fluid in your underwear or down your leg in either small or large amounts.
Wetness that’s odorless and clear or pale yellow.
Uncontrollable leaking from the vagina that you can’t “hold
in.”
Leaking fluid that’s thin and watery instead of thick and sticky.
Leaking fluid followed by contractions that are stronger than before.
If you’re unsure if your water broke, it’s helpful to put on
a clean pair of underwear or a sanitary pad. Don’t put a tampon
inside your vagina. Lie down and try to relax for 15 to 30 minutes. When
you stand up, see if fluid comes out. If the fluid is your water breaking,
it should come out when you stand. Note the color, the amount, and the
smell. This can also help you decide if it’s amniotic fluid, pee,
or vaginal discharge. Do not shower if you believe your water has broke.
Your water breaking is a sign that labor is coming. The fluid you feel
gushing or trickling from your vagina is amniotic fluid, the liquid that
surrounds and protects the baby.
Call your maternity provider or the Birthing Center immediately if you
believe your water broke.
Visitation
Myrtue Medical's Birthing Center is open for visitation.
We observe quiet time from 2 PM to 4 PM every day on the Birthing Center
floor so mothers and babies can bond and rest in a peaceful environment.
We encourage visitors to arrange different hours to visit the new little one.
One thing we like to remind all expectant parents and visitors is the importance
of washing hands. Newborns are still developing their immune systems,
so you should always wash your hands before touching a new baby and avoid
kissing them on the face. Even a small cold for an adult can turn into
a serious health concern for a baby.
Newborn Primary Care
We have a wide range of physicians at Myrtue Medical Center ready to be
your newborn's primary care doctor.
