Although you may have been given an expected delivery date by your doctor during your prenatal check-ups, it’s natural to still worry about unexpected labor and wonder when your little one will arrive. Keep an eye out for these 10 signs that indicate your baby’s arrival could be just around the corner.
10 Common Signs of Labor
1. Dropping of the Stomach, or Lightening
In the final weeks of pregnancy, you may notice your baby bump appearing lower. This is a sign that your baby has dropped deeper into your pelvis, and labor could be near—usually within a few weeks or even hours. Along with this, you may also experience increased urination and easier breathing as your baby is no longer compressing your lungs.
2. Regular Contractions
During pregnancy, you may occasionally feel your uterus contract. However, when these contractions become more frequent, occurring every 5–7 minutes and lasting 30 seconds to a minute each, they are a sign of labor. They will also feel stronger and more painful, and won’t lessen with a change in position.
3. Change in Cervical Discharge
Around weeks 37–40 of pregnancy, you may notice increased vaginal discharge that is thick and sticky. However, as you get closer to your delivery date, you may see a change in this discharge, which can become clear, bloody, or tinged with blood. This is a sign that labor is imminent, although some women experience this a week or two before actual labor begins. Regardless, be prepared for labor to start at any time once you notice this change.
Note: If the discharge contains a large amount of blood, similar to a menstrual period, seek medical attention immediately as this could indicate a dangerous labor complication.
4. Cervical Dilatation and Effacement
As you approach labor, your cervix will soften, shorten, and dilate to prepare for your baby’s birth. When the cervix is dilated to about 10 cm, this is a definite sign that labor is imminent. During your prenatal check-ups, your doctor will perform internal exams to measure cervical changes and advise you on your progress toward labor.
5. Diarrhea
Diarrhea is a common occurrence during pregnancy, but as your due date nears, it can also be a sign that your body is preparing for labor. Hormones released by your body to stimulate labor can also speed up the activity of your intestines, causing diarrhea or vomiting. This is a normal occurrence, but be sure to stay hydrated to prevent dehydration.
If you experience severe diarrhea, consult your doctor.
6. Weight Loss or Plateau
Toward the end of your pregnancy, you may notice that your weight gain has slowed or even stopped. This is often due to a decrease in amniotic fluid as your body prepares for labor.
7. Increased Fatigue and Sleepiness
As your due date approaches and your baby grows, you may feel more tired and sleepy. Additionally, your large belly can put pressure on your bladder, causing frequent urination and disrupting your sleep. Try to rest whenever possible to conserve energy for the upcoming labor and delivery.
8. Increased Cramps and Back Pain
Frequent cramps and increased back or hip pain are common signs that labor is near. This is caused by the stretching of the pelvic joints and uterus as they prepare for childbirth.
9. Joint Loosening
As you approach labor, you may notice that the ligaments between your joints become softer and more flexible. This is to help your pelvis open up and make room for your baby during childbirth.
10. Rupture of Waters
Your baby develops and is protected by a bag of fluid called the amniotic sac. When this sac breaks, it’s a sign that labor is imminent. However, not all women experience this, as only about 8–10% of pregnant women have their waters break before labor begins.
If your waters break, take note of the time, amount of fluid, and its color, and head to the hospital immediately. Some women go into labor within hours of their waters breaking, while others may take longer.
2. How to Ease the Pain of Labor Signs
To ease the pain of abdominal contractions and other labor signs, try the following:
- Take a gentle walk
- Watch a funny movie or show
- Get a light massage
- Chat with loved ones to take your mind off the discomfort
- Take a warm bath
- Get as much rest as possible to conserve energy for labor
Gentle walks can help ease the pain of contractions.
3. What to Do When Labor Signs Begin
1. Call for Help
If you’re alone when labor signs start or if you’re experiencing strong contractions, call a family member, friend, or emergency services for assistance.
Call for help when labor signs begin.
2. Eat a Light Snack
Eating a light snack during early labor can give you energy and is easier to digest. Ensure you eat and drink enough to sustain you through the upcoming labor and delivery.
3. Relax and Move Around
Relaxing, breathing, and gentle movement can help make contractions more regular and less painful. It also ensures your baby receives enough oxygen and facilitates a quicker labor.
Relax and move around gently to ease labor pains.
4. When to Go to the Hospital
Head to the hospital immediately if you experience any of the following during labor:
- Vaginal bleeding that is bright red or pink (normal discharge is brown or pink)
- Rupture of waters with green or brown fluid, which could indicate meconium in the fluid, a potentially dangerous situation if inhaled by the baby
- Blurred vision, headache, double vision, or swelling—these could be signs of preeclampsia, a condition characterized by high blood pressure during pregnancy
Seek medical attention immediately if you experience any unusual symptoms during labor.
5. What to Do 2 Days Before Delivery
1. Avoid Traveling
In the days leading up to your delivery, especially the last two days, avoid traveling too far from home as labor could start at any time. Exposure to pollution, noise, and crowds is also not ideal for you or your baby.
2. Rest Up
Take it easy with light walks, reading, and relaxation. Avoid strenuous exercise to conserve energy for labor.
3. Don’t Stay Up Late
Late nights and screen time are not advisable for expectant mothers, especially due to the radiation emitted by electronic devices. Go to bed early and avoid social media and the internet to ensure a good night’s rest.
Avoid late nights and sleep on your left side.
4. Sleep on Your Left Side
Sleeping on your left side improves blood flow to your baby and is the recommended position for expectant mothers. Avoid sleeping on your back or stomach, as these positions can put pressure on your belly.
5. Prepare Necessary Items
Have all your documents, as well as your and your baby’s essentials, ready at least two days before your due date to avoid last-minute scrambling.
6. Prepare Mentally
You may experience abdominal contractions and mild pain during this time, so research breathing techniques and prepare yourself mentally for the birthing process.
6. Frequently Asked Questions About Labor Signs
1. Is Labor Pain Similar to Menstrual Cramps or Bowel Movement Pain?
Labor pain can feel similar to menstrual cramps or the urge to have a bowel movement. However, it is more frequent and intense, especially in the lower back, hips, and abdomen, as your baby puts pressure on the nerves in the uterus.
2. Is Nausea a Sign of Labor?
Nausea can be an early sign of labor. In the third trimester, feelings of nausea and an upset stomach can indicate that your baby is putting pressure on your digestive system.
Nausea can be an early sign of labor.
3. What Should I Do if I Don’t Experience Labor Signs by My Due Date?
Due dates are estimates, and not all babies arrive on time. If your due date passes without any labor signs, consult your doctor, who will monitor your baby’s heartbeat, amniotic fluid levels, and other factors to ensure everything is okay. From week 40 onwards, it’s recommended to have prenatal check-ups 2–3 times per week until labor begins.
These 10 signs of labor and the preparations you can make will help ensure a safe and healthy delivery for both you and your baby. Wishing you both the best of health!
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