Overview:
Recognizing the early signs of labor helps you prepare physically and emotionally for childbirth. Your body will give you several signals that it’s getting ready for delivery. Here’s what to watch for and when to contact your healthcare provider.
1. Lightening: Baby Drops Into the Pelvis
One of the earliest signs labor is near is “lightening”—when your baby moves lower into your pelvis. This can make breathing easier by relieving pressure on your diaphragm, but it may also increase pelvic pressure and the need to urinate more frequently.
🕒 Timing: Often occurs a few weeks before labor begins, especially for first-time moms.
2. Bloody Show: Mucus Plug Discharge
You may notice a pinkish or brown-tinged mucus discharge. This is called the “bloody show,” and it means your cervix is beginning to open and thin out (efface). It’s a natural sign that your body is preparing for labor.
🚨 Important: If bleeding is heavy (similar to a period), call your doctor right away.
3. Cervical Changes: Effacement and Dilation
Your cervix will start to soften, thin out, and dilate in preparation for birth. These changes can be assessed during a pelvic exam by your provider. Dilation (opening) is measured in centimeters from 0 to 10, while effacement (thinning) is expressed as a percentage.
📈 Key numbers: 10 cm dilation and 100% effacement = ready for delivery.
4. Stronger and More Regular Contractions
Braxton Hicks contractions—those “practice” contractions—may start feeling stronger, more frequent, and more rhythmic. Unlike false labor, true labor contractions won’t go away with rest or a change in position and typically grow in intensity over time.
⏱ Track contractions that come every 5 minutes, lasting 30–70 seconds for at least an hour.
5. Water Breaking: Amniotic Fluid Leakage
One of the clearest signs of labor is your water breaking. You may experience a sudden gush or a slow, steady trickle of amniotic fluid. It’s usually clear and odorless. Once your water breaks, labor is likely to follow soon, and you should go to the hospital.
🚨 Go to the hospital right away, even if you haven’t felt contractions yet.
6. Low Back Pain and Pelvic Pressure
Some women experience persistent lower back pain or pressure that radiates into the thighs. This discomfort may be due to the baby’s head pressing into the pelvis as they move into position for birth.
7. Nausea, Diarrhea, or Flu-Like Symptoms
A sudden onset of nausea or diarrhea can be a sign your body is “clearing out” before labor begins. Hormonal changes may also cause fatigue, irritability, or flu-like symptoms in the final days before delivery.
📞 When to Call Your Provider or Go to the Hospital
Call your healthcare provider or go to the hospital if you experience:
- A gush or persistent leak of fluid from your vagina (possible water breaking)
- Regular contractions 5 minutes apart or closer for an hour
- Heavy vaginal bleeding
- Noticeably decreased fetal movement
- Severe headaches, vision changes, or swelling in your face or hands
👩⚕️ OB-GYN Advice:
Every labor is unique. Some women may experience several signs over days or weeks, while others have a fast onset. Keep a log of symptoms, trust your instincts, and don’t hesitate to reach out to your provider if you’re unsure. Being prepared physically and mentally — and packing your hospital bag early — can make a big difference in how confident and calm you feel when the moment arrives.
