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Early Signs of Labor
As the end of your pregnancy approaches you are probably becoming a little nervous about what to expect, what early signs of labor, and when the call the doctor. Every new mother has these same fears and worries. Knowing how to identify “real” labor, having all the phone numbers handy of who to call when your labor starts, and talking to your doctor about your fears will all help to ease your worries.
So what is labor? Labor is what your body does in order to prepare for and deliver your baby. The contractions help to thin and open the cervix so your baby can move down and out of the birth canal.
Labor will generally start around your due date. If you are experiencing labor symptoms early call your doctor right away. Each pregnancy is different, some women have quick labors, while others will labor for much longer. Just like with everything else about pregnancy every one is different.
Your body will begin doing things to prepare for the labor and delivery any where from a few hours to a few days before your actual labor will begin. This is commonly known as pre-labor. Here are a few early signs of labor to watch out for.
- Your may notice that your baby seems to have “dropped”. Some time during the last few weeks or days of your pregnancy the baby will begin moving into position for delivery. This is known as enlightening or “dropping”.
- You may notice that your Braxton Hicks or false labor pains are becoming stronger. These are not actual labor pains but they do work to help begin thinning out the cervix in preparation for the real thing.
- Many women experience an upset stomach, vomiting and diarrhea in the days leading up to labor. Your body is getting ready for the pushing that will take place by cleaning out your system.
- You may experience bloody show (a blood streaked mucus). This typically happens as the cervix begins to dilate. The bloody show is also know as a mucus plug, which plugs the cervix during pregnancy to help prevent infections and bacteria from entering the uterus during pregnancy.
Given all the symptoms that your body is going through to prepare for “real” labor how will you know when the real thing has started? It can be difficult at first to know if what you are experiencing is indeed labor, in no time you will figure it out. Here are the signs that “real” labor has begun and it is time to call the doctor and head to the hospital.
- Contractions are coming with some frequency at regular intervals, don’t subside when you change position or drink water. When you begin to feel contractions you will want to begin timing them as the doctor will want to know how far apart they are and how long they are lasting.
- Unlike with false labor pains (Braxton Hicks contractions) you will feel real labor contractions in your back as well as your stomach. The contractions will typically begin in your back and move around to the front.
- You may feel abdominal cramping or an upset stomach, as well as experience diarrhea. This is thought to be caused by the increased hormones that prompt labor to begin.
- Your water will break, also known as ruptured membranes. Not all women will experience this, some women will have to have their water broken after arriving at the hospital.
If you experience any of these symptoms, or you have other indications that labor has begun contact your doctor. Your doctor will likely get some information from you to try to determine if this is the real thing and how far along you are. If this is indeed the real thing the doctor will advise you to head to the hospital.
Knowing what to expect and how to identify the early signs of labor can be a little nerve wracking for new mothers. Talk to your doctor or midwife about your concerns and fears. They can help educate you so you feel better prepared.
Here are a few helpful websites.
Amyers,
I think your doctor is right, your best bet is to try to relax as best you can and just wait. It sounds like your body is definitely getting ready for the “big show”.
hi! am 37 weeks and am already starting to have labour pains,pain in my back that go straight roound to my waist and everything.my lil girl moves constantly and for every movement she hurts me.my feet are starting to swell up and that has never happen to me before with my 1st pregnancy,might i be in labour???
Kenita,
Swollen feet are common in late pregnancy. If your contractions increase in duration, intensity and frequency then they are regular contractions, however if they don’t then you are probably just having braxton hicks. Watch your contractions, if they become regular then call your doctor to find out when you should go into the hospital.
Im 37 weeks and Ive noticed that the top of stomach is very soft, just wondering why??
CiCiBailey,
I would guess that it is because your baby dropped. I would mention it at your next doctor’s appt though.
im 37 weeks pregnant and i keep feeling nauseated and feeling really light headed. is it normal?
Ashlee,
Those are both common late pregnancy symptoms but I would mention the lighted headedness to your doctor just to be safe.
thanks
im keep having lower bladder pain and it hurts really bad. im 37 weeks and i just wanted to know if that is normal to have?
Crystal,
It could be a sign you have a bladder infection. It is common to have lower abdomen pain during late pregnancy but I don’t think bladder pain is normal.
im 38 weeks and 4 days pregnant. im having lots of cramping and throwing up. i feel like i have the flu. i cnat eat and if i drink anything i get sick too. is this a sign of labor?
Ashlee,
Those are signs that your body is getting ready for labor. What you want to look for are contractions that increase in duration, intensity and frequency or of course your water breaking.
i am having contractions and they have been going out for about an hour.is that ok?
Ashlee,
I would start timing how far apart they are and then call your doctor to see what they advise you to do.
im 38 weeks and 6 days pregnant. i lost my plug today and now im having contractions and they have been going on for about an hour. should i go to the hospital?
Emily,
I would call your doctor and advise them what you are experiencing and find out when they recommend you go to the hospital. Most doctors say when your contractions are 5 minutes apart or your water has broken.
My daughter is 39 weeks and feeling a lot of pressure. Also she has a lot of pain in her pelvic bones and hips. Is this sign of labor coming soon.
Proudgrandmother2be,
Those are signs that her body is getting ready for labor but not necessarily that labor is eminent. The only sure signs are regular contractions or her water breaking.
I am 35 weeks. I am having horrible back pain. And my little girl is moving a lot and it hurts really bad at times. I am also having bad diaherra. I am also really tired all the time. I feel like I have to pee all the time too but when I go I get this little trickle that comes out. Are these signs of labor?
Misty,
Those are signs that your body is starting to get ready for labor. What you want to look for are contractions that increase in duration, frequency and intensity, or your water breaking (these are the only sure signs of labor).
Hi,
I am 37 weeks pregnant and for the last couple of days I have had an upset stomach and diarrhea, I have also been having lower back ache, aches in the tops of my legs and lower abdomen which feels worse whenever the baby moves (he seems to be moving a lot lately). I know i’m not in labour but I was wondering if there is any way of easing the pain?
Thanks in advance
Elle x
PS. The stomach ache seems to get worse when I eat too, any suggestions as to what might be easier to digest, as I don’t want to not eat anything at all?
Elle,
Unfortunately there isn’t much you can do. Take it easy, wear comfortable clothing, take naps when you can and try not to over do it. As for eating, stick with foods you know you do ok on and that are light. You may find it is best to eat a lot of smaller meals a day rather than any big meals. Don’t worry, soon it’ll be over and your baby will be here.
im 36 weeks pregnant today and ive been getting period pains and having more discharge and its looks light brown sometimes this has been happening for the last 4 days will i be in labour soon
Lauren,
It could be your mucus plug slowly coming out. I would mention it to your doctor just to be safe, usually brownish discharge is fine, they are more worried about bright red.
im 39 weeks and 1 day, i dont feel i can wait much longer. i seem to have an upset stomach, but without the vomiting, i did have diarhea yesterday, but havent had it since, could this been a sign? i also feel the braxton hicks getting alot stronger, but they have no timing to them, and come and go. Also, does everyone how a ‘show’?
Holli,
I know it is hard towards the end to wait. Unfortunately that’s what we have to do. Those are signs that your body is getting ready for labor but not signs of actual labor. The braxton hicks will get stronger as you approach actual labor.
Hang in there. Your baby will be here before you know it.
I am 12 weeks post- and I asked a question a few days before my labor. I ended up starting labor at 8am with light contractions and went to the hospital that afternoon. My DR sent me home that evening though! I was so confused. My contractions were 3 min apart from 8am-on. We went for a walk with the dog came home and ate dinner, showered, and watched a movie until 9:30pm when my water finally broke! They got VERY strong, and let me tell you all, you will know when you are having TRUE contractions! However I just wanted to say thank you for your advice! Labor is a great experience, so enjoy it.
Amy,
Glad to hear your little one has arrived and you had a good labor experience. You’re right there is no question when the really contractions start, you know!! Congrats.
Congratulations to everyone! I will remember you all in my rosary and I wish you all a safe and quick and easy labor and delivery. I’m 38 weeks today myself and looking forward to the baby as you are. I have had loose stools and some tightness in the abdomen etc. I’m getting used to being uncomfortable and noticing some swelling in the hands and feet. Baby moves and get up every hour to pee. Definitely wanting to clean and organize everything. I had a friend that went at 37 weeks, and the baby is beautiful and doing just fine. So my advice is try not to worry, especially if you’ve hit that mark, and like Lisa says, let the baby come when it is ready. And we’re all in this together.
I heard when you really get contractions and a burst of energy, you should be careful not to waste it, as you will need it when labor comes, and for those trying to have a natural birth. I suggest trying not to be induced unless for safety reasons you must, and I’ve heard that walking speeds things along, and when the contractions get too strong– the shower or bath can really ease the pain and make it more tolerable. Hope you’re all as excited as I am and may God bless you and your little ones and their daddies. 
hi i am 32 weeks pregnant and for the last 3 days i have been having diarrhea and stomach cramps when i need to go ?
Claire,
It could just be something you ate or a stomach virus. I would guess it isn’t early signs of labor since you are only 32 weeks along, however, if you are worried about definitely call your doctor.
HI, I’M 39 WEEKS AND 1 DAY. I KEEP FEELING TIGHTINING IN MY ABDOMEN. WHEN I SLEEP AT NIGHT I FIND IT DIFFICULT TO TURN IN BED DUE TO PAIN IN MY PELVIC, RADIATING TO MY MY TIGHTS. AND I AM NOT GETTING ANY DISCHARGE. FOR MY FIRST CHILD( WHICH IS NOW 10YRS) MY WATER DID NOT BREAK. SO AM WONDERING MAYBE I WILL NOTICE WHEN LABOUR ACTUALLY START.
Elizabeth,
You are likely experiencing Braxton Hicks contractions. They are very common throughout pregnancy, and get more noticeable, stronger and more frequent in late pregnancy as your body gets ready for the real thing. Pain in your pelvic area is also normal, caused by a combination of the bones beginning to spread in preparation for labor and delivery and the increased pressure the baby is putting on that area as he or she begins to descend into position. It is common for your water not to break. Even though that is always how it happens on tv and in the movies that isn’t how it always happens in real life!! You will know when real contractions start. They are much stronger than the Braxton Hicks contractions and will come are very regular intervals, increasing in duration, frequency and intensity. If you are worried that you won’t know what to expect talk to your doctor about it at your next appointment. Good luck
thanks you very much.
I’m bout 38 weeks now and I’ve been feeling tightness in my belly and it would last the whole day even when I’m hungry. It gets tight to the point where it hurts. I have constant pain in my ribs area too, to the point where it gets numb. Should I be worried?
Brandi,
The tightness in your belly is likely braxton hicks contractions. The pain in your ribs could just be from your expanding belly and the baby pushing on your ribs. I would mention your symptoms to your doctor at your next appointment but likely they are just the normal pains of late pregnancy.
i am 38 weeks pregnant and have been having braxton hicks contractions that are frequent and strong for the last 2 1/2 weeks i’ve had diarrhea the last 2 days and a light leakage i’m also dialated to 2 for the last week my doctor says its all normal but now wants to induce if it doesnt change by next weeks appointment should i be worried or nervous about any of this?
p.s.i’m also worried about going into labor and not getting to the hospital on time i’m 30 minutes at min to the closest hospital when should i leave after contractions begin to make themselves clear.
Cheryl,
Those are all normal late pregnancy symptoms, signs that your body is getting ready to go into labor. As far as induction goes that is a personal choice between you and your doctor. I would recommend doing some research on inductions and talking to your doctor about any concerns or questions you may have.
Has your doctor advised you yet on when you should head to the hospital? My doctor advised me to go either when my water broke or when my contractions were 5 minutes or less apart (I was about a 20 min drive from the hospital). I would call your doctor’s office and ask what their advice would be given your specific circumstances.
I am 37wks pregnant. Ive been having continuous pressure in the vaginal area as well in the anal area. At times pressure is all through out my tummy as well. Ive started feeling nauseated w vomiting and am increasing in my tiredness.I have the loose stool&The pressure in my vagina is so hard sometimes its a stabbing pain that I am about in tears. ive already lost some of my mucus plug.I am just confused because I am not having any form of contractions (real or braxton hicks). But i am in pain so bad that I cant bare it sometimes. What should real contractions feel like?
Dawn,
Those are pretty normal late pregnancy symptoms you are having. As the baby moves down in preparation for birth it puts more pressure on your pelvis causing pain and discomfort, also your pelvic bones are moving to prepare for birth as well and that is painful (often felt as sharp pains). You will know when you begin having contractions, you can’t miss them. I would describe the feeling as a really intense tightening of every muscle in your abdomen they usually start in the back and move around to the front. If you are worried about the things you are feeling talk to your doctor.
im 39 weeks and 3 days pregnant, i haven’t had a show yet, or experienced any braxton hicks i don’t think, but i was up all night with really bad cramps from about 9pm-5am last night and it literally felt like i was in labor, but it was a constant pain. does this mean that i’m going to go overdue?
Sami,
There is no way to predict what your body will do. You could go into labor today, you could go into labor next week, the best thing to do is wait and see what your body does. I imagine you are seeing your doctor weekly now so I would talk to your doctor about what you have experienced and discuss what your options are if you do go overdue.
Hi! I am 34 weeks along. I have reported to my doctor about losing parts of my mucus plug, strong contractions that hurt in my cervical area as well. But he seen no reason to check the cervix.
After my miscarriages I learned how to check my cervix while I was trying to conceive and my cervix now is very high, soft, so soft I can barely tell it apart from the rest of me, and 3 of my fingers fit in. I washed my hands very well before hand and I don’t do this often.
This is my 4th baby, 9th pregnancy and I tend to deliver VERY fast. So I’m worried I will deliver at home.
Today, I have had very hard time sleeping, lower back pain is severe for about 12 hours, LOTS of rubbery mucus, starting diarrhea and cramping in my bowels as well. Contractions are strong and do wake me as I sleep but they don’t hurt my belly, they hurt in my cervix and vaginal area.
There is no local hospital that will see a laboring woman with correct equipment to take care of a premature baby, the local hospital told me that already so I would have to travel to my delivering hospital which is one hour away.
Should I wait until my next OB appt and demand a cervical check or should I go on into the hospital..though I feel I will be sent home, even though the cervix may be dilated to about 3.
also, I felt baby drop 2 weeks ago very sudden like…since then the bathroom trips are innumerable and I can breath much easier and I feel movements way down into what feels to be the vaginal area…like the baby is trying to crawl out hahaha.
Ariane,
I would recommend calling your OB and telling him that you are heading into the hospital to get checked out because of the symptoms you are having and ask if he thinks you should go to your local hospital or your delivering hospital. If you don’t get a response that you like call the hospital that you will be delivering at and get an opinion from one of the labor and delivery nurses or the house OB. You want to make sure everything is ok, and your OB should work with you to make sure you are satisfied that everything ok. I hope that helps.
Thanks, I’m still going strong and the back pain isn’t so bad now but the majority of the strong contractions come in the night, so we’ll see what tonight brings for me.
I don’t know too many people that have had 4 babies that could tell me if this is all normal (though I know every pregnancy is different), but after 5 losses I’m very jumpy when it comes to symptoms like this.
Ariane,
I can’t blame you for being jumpy given your history. I definitely say talk with your doctor, talk with the hospital and get checked out if for no other reason than to calm your fears. Best of luck to you, and let me know what happens.
Hi there, I’m 36 weeks pregnant and getting these painful BH contractions at odd times during the day and night. Just wondering if I can put a wheat bag on the area or should I just breath through them especially in the evening when it’s worse…
Penz,
Breathing through helps, as does drinking cold water, changing positions, etc. You should do whatever you plan on doing to make it through regular contractions so you can get good practice.
Thanks for that:) Today has been a bit odd with very few movements felt and no BHs, is this normal as I can’t remember…