You’ve spent your entire pregnancy preparing for your little one to enter the world. But as you reach the end of your pregnancy, are you ready for the actual onset of labor? While most women cannot plan their labor and delivery, there are certain things to pay attention to that can help clue you in as to when your baby may arrive. Even moms planning to be induced or those who have scheduled their C-section can still go into labor before that date. This is why all expectant mothers need to pay attention to signs of labor as they approach the end. Knowing what to look for and expect can take away much of the stress associated with the spontaneity of labor.

The Signs of Labor

Every woman’s experience is unique, but these are the most common signs that labor is approaching or beginning.

You Can Breathe More Easily

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. Suppose you suddenly feel like breathing has become easier and can take that deep, satisfying breath again. This is called lightening and is a sign that the baby has dropped into your pelvis, a position they get into when they are ready to enter the world.^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: When to Go to the Hospital When You’re in Labor

Your Water Breaks

This seldom happens as we see it 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 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.

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 tinged with blood or clear. 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

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 Effacement, Dilation, and Station Mean

Your Body Relaxes

While your brain is probably not relaxed and your stress levels may seem higher, the rest of your body will “chill out” as you get close to labor. 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 And your weight will begin to relax, as you will most likely stop gaining pounds (some women even lose a bit of weight toward the end). You will also feel much more tired and have sudden urges to sit down or doze off.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

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

At the end of pregnancy, practice contractions called Braxton Hicks contractions are common. These are practice contractions, but they don’t open your cervix. False contractions are irregular and usually stop with rest and hydration.^1,7

As labor approaches or begins, you will likely notice an increase in contractions. Sometimes it’s hard to know at first if the contractions you are feeling are Braxton Hicks contractions or real labor contractions. Real contractions will not stop with rest and hydration. They have a pattern and will come at regular intervals. They will get closer, longer, and stronger as time passes.^1,7

When To Get Evaluated

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 many emotions, from excitement to nerves and everything in between. But remember, you were made for this moment. However your labor unfolds, trust your body, lean on your support team, and know that the end of this journey brings the most beautiful beginning—your baby.