As you reach the end of your pregnancy, every new feeling can make you wonder: Is baby coming soon? While labor doesn’t always start in a predictable way, there are some common signs that your body may be getting ready.
Some signs of labor, like your baby dropping or losing your mucus plug, can happen days or even weeks before birth. Others, like your water breaking or regular painful contractions, may mean labor is starting.¹˒²˒⁵
Here’s what the most common signs of labor can look like, what each one may mean, and when it’s time to call your doctor or midwife.
Key Takeaways
- Labor signs can include baby dropping, water breaking, mucus plug, pelvic pressure, back pain, and contractions.
- Some signs mean labor may be days or weeks away, while others mean it may be starting.
- True contractions usually become longer, stronger, and closer together.
- Call your provider if your water breaks, contractions are regular and painful, baby is moving less, or you have heavy bleeding.
- Every labor is different, so reach out to your provider if you are unsure.
Signs Labor Is Near
Every labor is different, but these are some of the most common signs that your body may be preparing for birth.
Baby Drops Lower
You have probably had difficulty breathing for the past few weeks (or more) as your baby kicks your diaphragm and pushes up on your lungs. If you suddenly feel like breathing has become easier and you can take a deep, satisfying breath again, your baby may have dropped lower into your pelvis. This is called lightening and is a sign that your baby has moved into your pelvis in preparation for birth.1,2,6
In addition to breathing better, you may take even more trips to the bathroom. (When a baby drops, their weight sits more on your bladder.)2,6 You may even notice that your baby bump appears to have shrunk. But just because you are sure the baby has dropped doesn’t mean it’s time to head to the hospital. Often, especially for first-time moms, a baby dropping is just a sign that labor is coming soon, which could mean days or even weeks.1,2,6
Related: What to Do in Early Labor: 6 Tips to Stay Calm and Prepared
Your Water Breaks
Your water breaking may feel like a sudden gush of fluid or a slow, steady trickle that continues to leak.2,5
It doesn’t always happen the way it does in the movies. Many women may notice a trickle of excess fluid and have difficulty distinguishing between urine and amniotic fluid.2,5 Others will feel a gush or experience a significant release of water from their body.5 The water breaks before labor for 8-10% of moms. For the rest of the moms, it breaks during labor or at the end while pushing.3 However, for some, labor begins (or signals that it’s about to start) with the water breaking.9
Contact your doctor or midwife if you feel your water may have broken. Inform them if you notice any blood or a brown or green discoloration in the fluid. Try smelling your underwear to help determine if it is soaked with amniotic fluid or urine. Amniotic fluid is odorless, so if you smell nothing, it may be a sign that your water has broken.2 You can also put on a clean pair of panties and walk around. If you continue to leak, it’s probably your water, not urine.
Related: How Do You Know if Your Water Broke?
You Lose Your Mucus Plug or Have a Bloody Show
In addition to water breaking, you may also experience the loss of your mucus plug or some bloody mucus (known as bloody show). This appears as mucus that may be clear or tinged with blood. This is a natural progression of labor, and all women will have their mucus plug expelled, but not all will notice it. Bloody mucus can signify that labor will begin in a few days.1,2,4,5
Losing your mucus plug or noticing a bloody show does not always mean labor is starting right away. For some women, labor begins within hours or days, while for others, it may still be several weeks away.1,2,4,5
Your Cervix Dilates or Effaces
As you near the end, your provider may ask if you want a cervical exam to check on your dilation. These exams can be uncomfortable for some people, but cervical dilation can be a positive sign of labor. As you approach the end, your cervix will thin out (efface) and open (dilate). Your midwife or doctor can feel this progress during an internal exam. However, it’s important to note that many women will not dilate before labor, while others may dilate weeks before labor occurs, making it not a perfect indicator.2,5 Talk to your doctor about these exams before you agree to one to ensure it’s something you want.
Related: Cervical Check: What Dilation, Effacement, and Station Mean
Your Body Feels Different
As labor gets closer, you may notice changes throughout your body, even if your mind feels anything but relaxed. Your bowels will relax, often causing diarrhea.4 Your joints will feel a bit looser, possibly adding clumsiness to your list of symptoms.7,8 Your weight may also level off, and some women even lose a little weight as labor approaches. You may also feel much more tired and find yourself wanting to sit down or nap more often.8
On the other hand, some women experience a surge of energy as their baby’s birth day approaches. They may want to clean, nest, or do some last-minute things.4,7 While both are potential signs of labor, they are also common signs of pregnancy. Pay close attention to how your mood and body change to identify what may be different from your recent symptoms.
You Feel Pelvic Pressure
Shortly before labor starts and often during labor, you may feel increased pressure in your pelvis and vagina. This can be related to your baby dropping. It can also indicate that your baby is getting into position. This sensation can be quite uncomfortable, but it is a good sign that your baby and body are getting ready.4,7
Related: When to Go to the Hospital When You’re in Labor
You Have Increased Lower Back Pain
It is common to have lower back pain during pregnancy. However, you may notice increased lower back pain as your body prepares for labor. It may come and go or remain constant.5 Sometimes this pain happens when you contract, but you only feel it in your back.2,7 It can also be related to how your baby is positioned.7
You Have True Contractions
True labor contractions usually become stronger, longer, and closer together over time. Unlike Braxton Hicks contractions, they don’t go away with rest, hydration, or a change in activity.1,7
Braxton Hicks contractions are common near the end of pregnancy. These practice contractions don’t open your cervix and are usually irregular. They often stop with rest, hydration, or a change in activity.1,7
As labor approaches, it can be difficult to tell at first whether you’re experiencing Braxton Hicks contractions or true labor. As labor progresses, true contractions develop a regular pattern and continue becoming stronger, longer, and closer together.1,7
Related: What Do Contractions Feel Like?
When To Call Your Provider
Now that you know the common signs that labor may start soon, you might wonder when it’s time to call your doctor or midwife.
It can sometimes be difficult to know when labor signs mean it’s time to go to the hospital. Call your provider right away if you notice any of the following:1
- You think your water has broken.
- You have regular, painful contractions.
- You have the urge to push or bear down.
- Your baby is moving less than usual.
- You have heavy bleeding from your vagina.
If you cannot contact your doctor or midwife and feel it is an emergency, call 911 or go to the hospital.
Labor can bring up so many emotions, from excitement to nerves and everything in between. Some signs mean your body is getting ready, while others may mean it is time to call your provider or head in for care.
If you are unsure whether what you’re feeling is labor, it is always okay to call your doctor or midwife. Trust your instincts, lean on your support team, and remember that every birth unfolds in its own way.
