As your due date approaches, you may start to wonder when labor will start. While it’s impossible to predict exactly when labor will begin, there are some signs that can indicate that your baby’s arrival is imminent. Here are some of the most common signs of approaching labor:
1. The Baby Drops
One sign that labor may be approaching is when the baby “drops” or descends into the pelvis. This can happen a few weeks before labor begins, especially in first-time mothers. You may notice that your belly looks lower and that you can breathe more easily. However, this is not a definitive sign that labor is imminent, as some babies don’t drop until labor starts.
2. You Experience Braxton Hicks Contractions
Braxton Hicks contractions are mild, irregular contractions that can occur throughout pregnancy. However, as labor approaches, they may become more frequent and intense. These contractions are your body’s way of preparing for labor, and they can be a sign that labor is imminent if they become more regular and intense.
3. Your Water Breaks
When the amniotic sac ruptures and the fluid inside leaks out, it’s known as your water breaking. This can happen before labor begins or during labor. When your water breaks, you may feel a gush of fluid or a slow trickle. If your water breaks, it’s important to contact your healthcare provider right away, as labor usually begins within 24 hours.
4. You Experience Bloody Show
As your cervix begins to soften and dilate, you may experience a small amount of blood-tinged mucus. This is known as the “bloody show” and can be a sign that labor is approaching. However, it’s important to note that some women may not experience the bloody show until they are in active labor.
5. You Have Strong and Regular Contractions
When labor begins, you will experience strong and regular contractions that increase in intensity and frequency over time. These contractions may start out feeling like menstrual cramps and may be felt in your back, abdomen, or thighs. As labor progresses, the contractions will become stronger and closer together.
6. You Experience Back Pain or Pressure
As the baby moves down into the pelvis, you may experience back pain or pressure. This can be an indication that labor is approaching, especially if the pain or pressure is accompanied by contractions.
7. You Feel Nauseous or Experience Diarrhea
As your body prepares for labor, you may experience nausea or diarrhea. This is thought to be caused by hormonal changes that affect the digestive system. While unpleasant, these symptoms are usually not a cause for concern.
8. You Feel Restless or Anxious
As labor approaches, you may feel restless or anxious. This is normal and can be caused by a combination of hormonal changes and anticipation of the birth. It’s important to try to stay calm and relaxed during this time, as stress can interfere with labor.
9. You Experience Increased Vaginal Discharge
As your body prepares for labor, you may notice an increase in vaginal discharge. This discharge may be thick and sticky or thin and watery. It’s usually not a cause for concern unless it’s accompanied by other symptoms like itching, burning, or a foul odor.
10. You Lose Your Mucus Plug
The mucus plug is a thick, jelly-like substance that seals the cervix during pregnancy. As the cervix begins to soften and dilate, the mucus plug may be expelled. This can happen days or weeks before labor begins and is a sign that your body is preparing for labor.
11. You Experience Pelvic Pressure
As the baby moves down into the pelvis, you may experience pelvic pressure. This can feel like a heavy or aching sensation in your pelvis or lower abdomen. This is a common sign that labor is approaching.
12. You Experience Increased Energy
Some women experience a burst of energy in the days leading up to labor. This is thought to be caused by hormonal changes and can be a sign that your body is preparing for labor.
13. You Experience Decreased Fetal Movement
As your due date approaches, you may notice that your baby’s movements change. While your baby should still be active, you may notice that the movements are less frequent or less forceful. This can be a sign that your baby is getting ready for labor.
14. You Experience Increased Urination
As the baby moves down into the pelvis, you may experience increased pressure on your bladder. This can cause you to urinate more frequently, even if you don’t have a full bladder. While this can be uncomfortable, it’s a normal sign that labor is approaching.
15. You Experience Changes in Your Cervix
As labor approaches, your cervix will begin to soften, thin out, and dilate. Your healthcare provider may be able to detect these changes during a pelvic exam. While this is not a definitive sign that labor is imminent, it is an indication that your body is preparing for labor.
16. You Experience Insomnia or Difficulty Sleeping
As your due date approaches, you may find it difficult to sleep. This can be caused by a variety of factors, including hormonal changes, discomfort, and anxiety. While it’s important to get as much rest as possible, it’s normal to experience some difficulty sleeping in the days leading up to labor.
17. You Experience Cramping or Backache
As your body prepares for labor, you may experience cramping or backache. This can be caused by the hormonal changes that are occurring in your body. While these symptoms can be uncomfortable, they are usually not a cause for concern.
18. You Experience Changes in Your Bowel Movements
As your body prepares for labor, you may experience changes in your bowel movements. You may have diarrhea or loose stools, or you may experience constipation. These changes are thought to be caused by hormonal changes that affect the digestive system.
19. You Experience Vaginal Bleeding
If you experience vaginal bleeding during pregnancy, it’s important to contact your healthcare provider right away. While some spotting is normal, heavy bleeding can be a sign of a serious problem. If you experience vaginal bleeding in the days leading up to labor, it may be a sign that labor is approaching.
20. You Experience Flu-Like Symptoms
As labor approaches, you may experience flu-like symptoms like fatigue, body aches, and a low-grade fever. These symptoms are thought to be caused by hormonal changes and are usually not a cause for concern.
21. You Experience Changes in Your Appetite
As your body prepares for labor, you may experience changes in your appetite. You may feel less hungry than usual, or you may have cravings for certain foods. While it’s important to eat a healthy diet during pregnancy, it’s normal to experience changes in your appetite in the days leading up to labor.
22. You Experience Mood Swings
As your due date approaches, you may experience mood swings. These can be caused by a combination of hormonal changes and anxiety about the birth. It’s important to try to stay calm and relaxed during this time, as stress can interfere with labor.
23. You Experience Increased Braxton Hicks Contractions at Night
Some women experience increased Braxton Hicks contractions at night in the days leading up to labor. While this can be uncomfortable, it’s usually not a cause for concern.
24. You Experience Increased Pressure in Your Rectum
As the baby moves down into the pelvis, you may experience increased pressure in your rectum. This can feel like you need to have a bowel movement, even if you don’t. This is a common sign that labor is approaching.
25. You Experience Increased Swelling
As your due date approaches, you may experience increased swelling in your feet, ankles, and hands. This is normal and is caused by the increased amount of fluid in your body. However, if you experience sudden or severe swelling, it’s important to contact your healthcare provider, as this can be a sign of a serious problem.
26. You Experience Increased Braxton Hicks Contractions after Activity
Some women experience increased Braxton Hicks contractions after activity like walking or sex in the days leading up to labor. While this can be uncomfortable, it’s usually not a cause for concern.
27. You Experience Increased Pressure in Your Pelvis
As the baby moves down into the pelvis, you may experience increased pressure in your pelvis. This can feel like a heaviness or aching sensation. This is a common sign that labor is approaching.
28. You Experience Increased Braxton Hicks Contractions after Eating
Some women experience increased Braxton Hicks contractions after eating in the days leading up to labor. While this can be uncomfortable, it’s usually not a cause for concern.
29. You Experience Increased Pressure in Your Bladder
As the baby moves down into the pelvis, you may experience increased pressure on your bladder. This can cause you to feel like you need to urinate more frequently, even if you
