10 Signs Labor Is Near
Am I Going Into Labor?
If you're expecting your first baby, congratulations! This is an exciting time for you! Knowing what to expect can alleviate some anxiety and help you prepare for what's next. And one of the many worries of new moms is how and if you'll know that labor is approaching.
Like you, we've seen the same scenarios in movies of pregnant women whose water breaks right in the middle of a critical or public moment—followed by a mad dash to the hospital to beat the baby's arrival.
In reality, though, the start of labor is typically much more progressive and likely less dramatic. We hope this gives you some comfort already!
10 Early and Sometimes "Weird" Signs Labor Is Near
To support your pregnancy journey, we've compiled a list of the top 10 early signs that your body is ready to start labor. Some you may have heard of, while others may be lesser known (or seem weird) in how they make you feel.
Your Baby Drops
The technical term for a baby dropping lower into the pelvis in preparation for birth is referred to as "lightening." Lightening may occur several weeks before your baby arrives or may not happen until you're in active labor.
For some women, they can see a noticeable difference in the location of their bump when they look in the mirror, while for others, it may be more subtle.
What does it feel like when the baby drops?
When lightening occurs, you'll likely feel some added pressure on your bladder and pubic area and notice you're using the bathroom as frequently as you did in the first trimester.
It can be a "weird" feeling, but the good news is your diaphragm will get some relief, and you may be able to breathe easier as the drop will free up some space around your chest.
Nesting
Something about the impending arrival of a baby tends to send moms into an organizational frenzy. You may think it’s just your "Type A" personality, but there is actually a very powerful instinct that takes over in those final weeks before the baby arrives.
Many women put this at the top of the list of weird signs labor is near, but it's completely normal!
So, if you find yourself on your knees cleaning the baseboards and organizing baby’s socks by color according to the rainbow, don’t be alarmed. Just be careful not to overdo it—remember, your body needs rest before the big day.
Exhaustion
When you’re not experiencing a surge of energy for alphabetizing your spice rack, you may feel extra exhausted in those final weeks before labor begins.
The final stage of pregnancy can be uncomfortable making it difficult to sleep and move around. You may also feel like you’ve run a marathon when you’ve only climbed a flight of stairs.
Increasing Cramping and Back Pain
You may notice in the final weeks of pregnancy that you're having more cramping and lower back aches than usual.
As the baby is preparing to make his debut, your body is getting into gear and a lot is happening in that general region to help position your baby for birth. Muscles are stretching and joints are loosening due to the release of the hormone relaxin, which allows your pelvis to expand for childbirth.
Don’t be alarmed by these aches and pains and instead take it as a sign to get off your feet and rest for a bit.
However, if the cramping or pain is severe or is accompanied by bleeding, call your provider immediately.
Your Weight Plateaus
Up until this point, you’ve been consistently gaining weight as your baby grows to his or her birth weight. In the weeks before labor begins, you might find that you stop gaining weight and may even lose a pound of two.
This is nothing to be alarmed by and is actually quite normal in the home stretch.
Dilation and Effacement
Dilation refers to the cervix's opening, while effacement measures how thinned out it is. As the baby puts pressure on your pelvic region and your uterus contacts in preparation for delivery, your cervix will become dilated and effaced.
Your provider can measure dilation and effacement if you choose to have internal exams leading up to your birth. The tricky part is that you can be a few centimeters dilated and a percentage effaced for weeks before your birth.
The good news is that it indicates that labor is coming soon, and your body is working hard to prepare. Don't be discouraged if you are not dilated or effaced at your visit, as this process can happen at a different point for every woman.
(At Twin Cities Birth Center, we do not routinely preform cervical exams prenatally unless requested.)
Feeling loose
Wondering about a few other weird signs labor is near? Your pelvic muscles and ligaments aren’t the only area of your body affected by the hormone relaxin.
Consequently, you may experience other side effects of the release of this hormone into your body such as diarrhea and clumsiness. The good news is that these not so desirable side effects of the increased relaxin levels in your system are a good indication that your body's getting ready for baby!
More Frequent Braxton Hicks Contractions
Braxton Hicks contractions are practice contractions that are usually felt from mid-pregnancy on. In the final weeks of pregnancy, you may notice that you're having more frequent
What Do Contractions Feel Like?
Contractions can feel different for every woman. Some describe them as a strong menstrual cramp, while others say they feel like a tightening or pressure in their abdomen.
As labor progresses, contractions usually become stronger, longer, and more regular.
They may start in your lower back and move to the front of your body
Or they may begin in your belly and move down to your pelvis.
Contractions: When to Call your provider?
When you start having contractions, remember to keep track of their duration, frequency, and intensity.
As a general rule, if the contractions are happening closer together, increasing in intensity, lasting a minute or more or falling into a rhythmic pattern, it is likely labor has begun. Call your provider to determine the next steps and when you should come in.
Your provider or midwife may have different recommendations based on your individual circumstances, so it's always best to follow their advice.
If you experience any bleeding, your water breaks, or you have any concerns about your baby's movements, you should contact your healthcare provider right away.
Mucus Plug Loss
As your cervix begins to soften in preparation for birth, you may experience some mucus discharge. The mucus will be thick and white and may be streaked with blood and dispel gradually or in one clump.
This is considered the loss of your mucus plug. The mucus plug is considered the seal to the uterus and its dislodging indicates labor is near, although labor can be weeks away still for some people.
Your Water Breaks
Did you know that the rupture of the amniotic sac is actually much rarer than Hollywood would lead you to believe. Approximately only 15% of women experience their water breaking before they're in active labor.
How Do I Know If My Water Broke?
Your water breaking may feel like a slow trickle or one gush of fluid, but again, it's not usually as dramatic as we see in the movies. If your amniotic sac ruptures, call your provider.
Is a Headache a Sign of Labor?
Headaches can be a normal part of pregnancy due to hormonal changes and the increased blood volume in your body. However, a headache alone is not usually a sign of labor.
Every Pregnancy Is Different
The last month of pregnancy can often feel like an eternity with your big bump, aching back, tired feet and lack of sleep.
Try to use these weeks to rest up for the big task ahead of childbirth. Remember that your baby and body are hard at work preparing for the big day that will be here before you know it.
It's important to note that all women experience the above symptoms at different times and to different degrees, so try not to compare yourself to other pregnant mamas or feel concerned if you don’t match up.
Your baby will come when they are good and ready, and it will be one of the greatest moments of your life!
Have questions? We're here to help!
For questions about other common signs labor is near, water birth, and other women’s services, contact us for free consultation with a midwife.
We also encourage you to take a tour of our Birth Center to meet our team and learn more about how we can support your pregnancy journey before and after the arrival of your little one.
For more new mom resources, browse our blog!