Every child’s birth story is just a bit different. Those who have given birth to more than one child can tell you that each birth they went through wasn’t quite the same. But the body typically does a few things to prepare itself for delivery.
Not every pregnant person will show all the signs of going into labor. If you have these early signs of labor, let your care team know and pack your hospital bag. You’ll need to prepare for your baby’s arrival.
Here are four possible signs you’re going into labor.
1. Your Baby Drops
By the end of your pregnancy, you may feel uncomfortably large. The baby has all but outgrown the available space in your body. This can result in difficulty breathing, frequent urination, and heartburn.
But a few days or weeks before delivery, the baby shifts downward into the pelvis in preparation for birth. You may breathe easier but feel more pressure in your pelvic area, as well as some cramping.
2. You Have the ‘Bloody Show’
The dilation of your cervix allows for your baby’s birth. During pregnancy, a mucus plug covers the cervix. It’s a thick piece of mucus that seals off the cervix to prevent germs from getting into your uterus and infecting the fetus.
Losing your mucus plug and the “bloody show” are among the first signals that your cervix is beginning to stretch and thin. The mucus plug is a sticky, thick substance, not unlike the mucus from your nose.
Though you can’t see your cervix, you’ll notice the mucus plug giving way as a change in vaginal discharge. You may notice a large amount of mucus exiting your vagina — the entire plug may come loose all at once.
Or you may see an increase in mucusy discharge over time as pieces of the plug break off. As the cervix stretches, you may also see blood in your discharge as pink or brown streaks in your underwear or when you wipe.
The mucus discharge and small amount of blood close to your due date could indicate that your body is preparing for delivery. If you see a large amount of red blood, call your care team or seek medical attention immediately. This could indicate issues with the placenta.
3. You Experience Contractions
The uterus is a muscular organ that has cradled your baby for nine months, and its last job is to help you push the baby out of your body.
It does this by tightening the muscles and pushing the baby down the birth canal to open up your cervix. That’s called a contraction.
But what do contractions feel like?
Your abdomen may become tight, or you may experience back pains or cramps.
Distinguishing true contractions from the “warm-up” contractions some people experience, known as Braxton Hicks contractions, isn’t always easy.
You’ll know it’s the real deal if the contractions are regular when you time them, become stronger, and continue even when you drink water or change position.
Understanding how contractions feel is crucial because they’re a clear sign of labor. Strong, regular contractions mean you should call your care team and get to a hospital.
4. Your Water Breaks
Inside your uterus, the amniotic sac and amniotic fluid cushion, protect, and nourish your baby. Almost always, this sac breaks before you deliver your baby. Sometimes, it breaks on its own, and other times, your doctor breaks the sac during labor.
When the amniotic sac breaks, the fluid inside comes out of your vagina. You may experience a rush of fluid or a slight trickle. Either way, it’s likely a sign that your baby is coming.
If your water has broken, call your care team. Don’t try to stop the fluid or insert a tampon. Sit on a puppy pad or towel and use disposable underwear or pads to catch the fluid.
A broken sac makes the vagina more susceptible to infection, so expect the baby to arrive in the next day or two. Your doctor might induce labor if contractions don’t start on their own. You may also need antibiotics in case of infection.
Other Signs Labor Is Near
Aside from the major indicators listed above, people report several other possible signs that labor is near.
- A burst of energy right before labor.
- A change in appetite, either losing interest in food or feeling a sudden increase in hunger.
- An increase in vaginal discharge, signaling that the cervix is beginning to open and thin.
- Increased back pain, loose joints, and diarrhea.
- An overwhelming desire to clean and organize the home in preparation for the baby (nesting).
- Sense of calm or an intuitive feeling that labor is imminent.
- Swelling in your hands and feet may also increase as your body retains more fluid in preparation for labor.
Attention to these subtle changes can help you feel more prepared for the big day.
How You May Feel Two Days Before Labor
Two days before labor, many people report feeling a mix of excitement and anxiety. Physically, you might feel more frequent and intense Braxton Hicks contractions.
You may also experience more pressure in the pelvic area as the baby drops further into position. Some people notice a change in their energy levels, either extremely tired or unusually energetic. Increased vaginal discharge and loss of the mucus plug are also common.
How to Tell if Your Baby Will Come Early
There are no proven ways to tell if your baby will come early.
But there are a few signs to watch for:
- Change in vaginal discharge.
- Constant low backache.
- Pelvic pressure.
- Regular contractions.
Contact your care team immediately if you experience a drastic increase in these symptoms in the third trimester. If your labor is preterm, they can assess your condition and take steps to either delay labor or prepare for an early delivery.
Keeping track of symptoms and sharing them with your doctor can help you better understand your body’s signals.
Your Baby Will Come When They’re Ready
One of the most important things to remember is that, ultimately, your baby will come when they’re ready. If not, the doctor will let you know it’s time to consider inducing labor.
Every pregnancy and every baby is different. And although there are general signs that labor is approaching, there’s no way to predict the exact moment it will happen.
If you’re ever in doubt, don’t hesitate to contact your care team for guidance and reassurance. They can provide the support and information you need as you await your little one’s arrival.
Labor is a unique experience for every person. Understanding the signs that it’s coming can help you feel more confident and ready for your baby’s arrival.
By recognizing the signs of labor and knowing what to expect, you can prepare for this exciting and transformative event.
Editor's Note: This article was originally published on , and was last reviewed on .