How long will it take for pregnant women to give birth after seeing redness? Signs before labor and preparations for labor

As a professional obstetrician, I am often asked this question by expectant mothers: “Doctor, I am seeing redness, am I about to give birth?” Seeing redness is indeed an important sign before labor, but it does not mean that I am about to give birth. She will give birth immediately. Below, I will give detailed answers to the phenomenon of pregnant women seeing redness, the time window from seeing redness to delivery, as well as preparations and precautions for childbirth.

1. Analysis of the phenomenon of redness: signs of pregnancy before labor

Redness refers to a small amount of bleeding caused by the separation of the fetal membranes near the cervix from the uterine wall before delivery, causing the capillaries to rupture. This blood mixes with the mucus in the cervical canal and is discharged, forming what we call “redness”. Flushing usually occurs within 24-48 hours before delivery, but some women may give birth as late as a week after flushing.

It should be noted that the amount of red bleeding is generally less, significantly less than menstrual flow. If the bleeding is excessive, even exceeds the menstrual flow, or is accompanied by persistent abdominal pain, reduced fetal movement and other abnormalities, you should seek medical treatment in time to rule out obstetric complications such as placenta previa and placental abruption.

2. The time window from redness to delivery: individual differences and doctor’s recommendations

The time from seeing redness to delivery varies from person to person, and there are large individual differences. The timing of labor may also differ between first-time and multiparous women. Generally speaking, the delivery process for first-time mothers is longer and may take anywhere from several hours to dozens of hours; while for multiparous women, the delivery process may be shorter due to the relatively loose birth canal.

After seeing redness, if there are no other signs of labor such as regular contractions or water breaking, pregnant women do not need to be too nervous and can continue to observe. It is recommended that pregnant women keep their vulva clean after seeing redness to avoid infection; at the same time, they should pay close attention to fetal movements and seek medical advice promptly if there are any abnormalities.

If a pregnant woman has regular uterine contractions (i.e., labor pains) after seeing redness, and the interval between contractions gradually shortens and the duration gradually lengthens, then this is a clear sign of labor. At this time, pregnant women should seek medical treatment in time to wait for delivery.

3. Preparation and precautions for childbirth: Facing the time of childbirth calmly

1. Psychological preparation: Pregnant women should keep calm and relax before giving birth. Excessive tension and anxiety may affect the delivery process and the health of mother and baby. It is recommended that pregnant women attend prenatal classes during pregnancy to understand the birth process and related knowledge and enhance their self-confidence.

2. Preparation of items: Pregnant women should prepare a delivery bag before giving birth, including clothing, hygiene products, feeding supplies, etc. for the mother and newborn. In addition, relevant documents and information must be prepared to facilitate smooth procedures upon admission.

3. Diet adjustment: During the period before delivery, pregnant women should maintain a balanced and nutritious diet. It is recommended to eat more foods rich in protein, vitamins and minerals, such as lean meat, eggs, milk, fresh vegetables and fruits, etc. At the same time, avoid eating greasy, spicy and other irritating foods to avoid aggravating the burden on the gastrointestinal tract.

4. Rest and exercise: Pregnant women should ensure adequate sleep time before giving birth to avoid overexertion. At the same time, you can perform appropriate exercises, such as walking, yoga for pregnant women, etc., to help relieve tension and promote the delivery process. However, it should be noted that the intensity of exercise should not be too high to avoid accidents.

5. Pay close attention to physical changes: Pregnant women should pay close attention to their physical changes before giving birth. If abnormalities such as regular uterine contractions, water rupture, decreased fetal movement, etc. occur, they should seek medical treatment in time. During the delivery process, it is necessary to actively cooperate with the guidance and operations of medical staff to ensure the safety of mother and baby.

In short, how long it takes for pregnant women to give birth after seeing redness varies from person to person. Before giving birth, pregnant women should make adequate preparations, keep calm and relax their body and mind; at the same time, pay close attention to physical changes and seek medical advice promptly if there are any abnormalities. I believe that with the joint efforts of medical staff, every expectant mother can successfully survive this special period and welcome a healthy and lovely baby.