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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.
Hi again, forgot to mention that I’m getting dull aches on my lower right side…started to feel some movement across my lower tummy/pelvic region which is both exciting and reassuring but the aches along my right side are dull and numbing as opposed to sharp and painful?
Penz,
I’m glad you are feeling the baby move, that is always reassuring. The pain you are feeling could be the baby pushing a nerve or something but I would definitely call your doctor and mention it to them just to be safe.
I am feeling the baby move mostly at night, sometimes it is very painful movement. I am also experiencing soft bowel movements, which is crazy because since week 10 I have been extremely constipated. I am having braxton hicks contractions, but have not timed them. I am extremely tired, moody and am worried that I am going to go too early. Is it too early, and do you have any suggestions for the upset stomach and dull ache in lower stomach. I am 33 weeks pregnant.
Davidson,
33 weeks is certainly very early. I would recommend talking to your doctor about your symptoms so they can check you out and make sure everything looks good.
last week i had a hard time to go to the bathroom, and just two or three days ago i started getting an upset stomach and then i started going to the bathroom and have been going everyday since but i do have a difficult time pooping. (TMI sry) anyways, today when i woke up, i had sharp pains on both my right and left sides of my stomach.. and when i went to the bathroom i had diarrhea. is this the sign of labor? and if so, how long will it be until i have to go to the hospital. i am 38 weeks pregnant.
Mommatobe,
It is an sign that your body may be getting ready for labor, however, it varies on how long before labor it happens. I would mention your symptoms at your next appointment with your doctor.
hello, 35 weeks pregnant, for the past 3 days i have had maybe 2 cases of diarrhea a day, but tonight, in a run of 3 hours I had about 8, and threw up, also my baby dropped 6 weeks ago, and my baby is not moving so much, when i was pregnant with my first child, the same thing happend except for I was 33 weeks and had diarrhea and vomiting everything even water, and went in labor and they stopped it, and called it food posioning, was it that or could that be a sign that i am in labor? seeing how i am 35 weeks would they still stop it?
Amanda,
I would definitely recommend that you contact your doctor, especially since you are experience decreased fetal movement. I’m not sure if they would stop the labor or not, it would depend on how far along you are and how developed the baby’s lungs are.
hi I’m 35 wks pregnant and I feel absolutly horrible!! I have aces and pains every wher – I’m only 5’2 I was wondering if I could have the baby earlier since I’m so small
Natalie,
Aches and pains are normal in late pregnancy. Many women are so ready to be done being pregnant in those last few weeks. Your height shouldn’t make a difference on how long you carry the baby, our bodies are amazing at making things work. If you are concerned about what you are feeling or unsure of what something means be sure to talk to your doctor.
hello my name is kristin i am pregnant with my second child im 39 weeks and 4 days and im having the poops for a day or two now and i was wondering if that is early sign of labor this pregnancy has been totally different than my first im having a boy this time though..last time i was at the doctors i was 1cm dialated and he said i was thin and 50 percent effaced..i already lost my mucus plug like a week and 3 days ago
Kristin,
It is common to have frequent and loose bowel movements in the days leading up to labor. Although, it is an early sign of labor it is not an effective indicator that labor will start soon. Best of luck to you.
im 39 weeks and will be 40 on thursday for the past week ive been having back pain and adominal.its a constant pain like a period. somtimes i get a sharp pain that makes me tighten up. this morning i noticed a clear muscus every once in a while when i wipe. my doctor still hasnt checked if im dilated. could i be having prelabor
Joanne,
You are probably experiencing braxton hicks contractions, which are your body’s way of getting ready for the real deal. They increase in frequency and intensity as you approach actual labor. Be sure to mention your symptoms to your doctor at your next visit or call them if you have any questions that are really concerning you or you are worried about. Best of luck with your delivery.
I am a bit over 38 weeks pregnant, and looking for early signs of labor. I have been experiencing strong movement from the baby that are quite painful! The painful movements are followed by pressure in my lower abdomen that radiate to my back. Could this be practicing contractions?
Natalie,
Are these braxton hicks you are experiencing or just pain from the baby kicking? The braxton hicks are practice contractions and usually get stronger as you get closer to the real thing. It is also common to feel more pain with your baby’s kicks as he or she becomes bigger and stronger, is kicking you in different spots because of moving down into the birth canal, and your body is stretched, tired and sore.
Good luck with your labor and delivery.
I believe they are braxton hicks judging from the amount of back pain they cause me as well. I’ve been reading up on early signs of labor and some websites claim that vomiting, nausea, and diarrhea may also be a sign. Has anyone experienced this prior to their delivery?
Natalie,
Diarrhea often occurs prior to labor as a way for your body to prepare for the impending labor and delivery. However, it, alone, is not a good indicator that labor is about to begin. You will know when you are in labor, the contractions you are feeling will get stronger and will begin to come in a more frequent, regular manor. Or, of course, you may have your water break. Good luck.
Thanks for the reply Lisa. I will wait in anticipation
Hi, I am 38 weeks and 1 day. I have been having to go to the bathroom with a bowel movement about 3 to 4 times a day for over a week. Sometimes its diarrhea and sometimes it isnt, also been having contractions that dont stay. Been having a mucousy discharge for about 3 days only a little at a time a couple times a day. My doctor has not checked me, also been having a strange feeling in my stomach like i did when the baby moved down, which was like 5 weeks ago, also been having some pain around my belly button, What do you make of all of this?
Amanda,
It sounds like it is your body doing the normal end of pregnancy things to get ready for labor. If you are worried about any symptoms you are having be sure to call your doctor. Usually your doctor will check your cervix during on of your appointments in the final weeks of pregnancy. They don’t like to check it too often as it can cause labor to begin prematurely. Good luck with your labor and your delivery. Enjoy your little one once he or she arrives.
thanks, yes i have an appointment on tuesday morning and he is supposed to check my progress, am really excited this is my 3rd and final baby.However, all 3 pregnancies have been different so its been kind of frustrating having some of the symptoms i have never had. One more question, have you ever known of anyone to not lose their mucous plug. 2 women have told me they never lost theirs with their children?
Amanda,
That is so exciting. Every pregnancy is different, that’s what makes them so magical. I have heard of women not losing their mucous plug, or losing it and not realizing it. Best of luck to you.
I am 38 weeks pregnant and have been experiencing diarrhea sick to my stomic my braxton hicks contractions have been realtime strong the past fire weeks and today I started feeling tightning in my lower abdomen could I be in labour
Mammaduck,
Those are all signs of your body getting ready for labor. You’ll know that you are in labor when your contractions are coming at regular intervals, getting stronger and more frequent, or your water breaks. If you have questions about your symptoms be sure to bring that up with your doctor at your next visit or call them.
Hi Im 38 weeks and 4 days pregnant. Last night i had very tight belly, which is the usual BH but also woke up feeling as though i wanted to vomit and felt ill. Also ive noticed the last couple of days my belly is pinching and ive had period like pains that come and go, but arent overly painfull. I see my doctor tommorrow, but he hasnt actually checked me down there yet. Should he? And is the above early signs of labour?
Sini,
I would bet he’ll check you at your next appointment, especially with the symptoms you are describing. Your symptoms sound like those our bodies usually go through to get ready for labor. Talk to your doctor about them and get his opinion on what to do and what to watch out for.
Hey i am 32weeks, when i was 30 weeks i had bad braxton hicks and i got check i am 1cm thin, effaced and cervix is soft and anterior. Does this mean i will have my baby soon, can your mucus plug be green. I have an upset stomach today so im a bit scared.
Lavina,
I would definitely recommend that you talk at length about what is going on with your doctor. Did your doctor say anything when they checked you and you were 1cm dilated already? Your baby would be premature if born now so you definitely want to do anything possible to keep him/her in there for as long as possible. Call your doctor.
Hey doctor told me to rest, i got steriod injections and went home. No am not dialated the cervix is 1cm in length. I had 2 previous prem babies and the last pregnancy was 40 weeks. The upset stomach has gone now! Ive had no more braxton hicks so hoping and praying i last another 3 to 4 weeks! But can your cervix be antierior early because i had 3 past pregnancys.
Hey so my doc gives me 9 more days and if no baby he is indusing me I would rather go on my own any sugestions on how I might kick start labor my self
Hey so my doc gives me 9 more days and if no baby he is indusing me I would rather go on my own any sugestions on how I might kick start labor my self
DDuck,
There are several old wives tales on how you can get labor started. Things like eating spicy foods, bouncing on an exercise ball, walking, having sex. However, really your body will not start labor until it is ready. It doesn’t hurt to try a few of the old tricks though.
Hey guys my baby donovan was born on the 7 th 9 days overdue 24 hours labor 2 hours pushing tried forcepts ended up with csection and he was stuck so needed vacume to get him out of my birthcanal but all. worth it to have him hear thanks for all the great help and answers
Mammaduck,
Congratulations!!! Sounds like quite the labor and delivery. So glad you are enjoying your little baby boy.
I am very excited,I have had loose bowels every morning for the last couple of weeks,along with some cramping and back ache.
I know with all women its different,which fascinates me.
you can have this for about a month before birth,is that right?
thanks
xxxxxxxxxxxx
Amanda,
As you said, every woman is different. Some women experience those symptoms for a only a few days before labor begins others for a month or more. Unfortunately there is no definitive way to know when labor is about to start. You won’t know until it starts.
Best of luck to you.
I’m 34 wks and 2 days pregnant. I’ve been vomiting a lot for the past 2 days. I’ve also been having these episodes of tightness in my stomach and lower back pains. It have gotten to the point to where I couldn’t move and had to stay in that same spot for at least a hour. I also have these side pains that’s unbearable. Any suggestions please…
Kendra,
When I was pregnant and having pretty intense braxton hicks my doctor recommended drinking a large glass of ice cold water and it seemed to help. Also, lying on my left side helped a lot too. Have you mentioned your symptoms to your doctor? You want to, to see if they have any recommendations.
I drink plenty of water everyday. It’s either a whole case or half of the case. I’m always on my left side also but the only thing is these pains still there no matter what. I tried taking a bath in warm water and that seems to help at first. But after a while it feels like my body got use to it….
I drank a lot of water too, but still that large, ice cold glass of water (drink it fairly fast) did seem to help me. I would definitely recommend talking to your doctor about your symptoms.
I am 35 weeks pregnant. Two nights ago, my husband and I had intercourse and afterwards I had pretty hard contractions for 3 hours. I had a sheet in between my legs and after about an hour, I felt a little gush and when I got up, I had quite a bit of light pink blood on the sheet and even more when I went to the bathroom. This was accompanied by mucus, but I’m not sure if it was the mucus plug or from intercourse. Last night, I woke up so sick to my stomach and vomitted and I’ve been feeling so sick ever since. Should I be calling my doctor or is this just normal? With my daughter, (who was 8 days early) I never bled, but I do remember being very sick to my stomach for the week leading up to labor.
Kasie,
I would definitely call your doctor. It may be normal, but anytime there is bleeding and contraction involved you want to make sure you talk to your doctor about it just to be safe.
i have been having bowel movements for about 4 days now( 4 to 5 times a day). i have also been experiencing period like pain in the lower part of my stomach, and quite a few bh. is my body getting ready for labour, i am 36 weeks coming up 2 37 weeks.
I’m 37 weeks pregnant and doctor checked me last week and I was not dilated at all. Hopefully, at my next appointment, he wil tell me some better news. Good luck to all! I will keep you posted!
I am 38 weeks pregnant with my 3rd child. Forthe last few nights I’ve been feeling nausous, and my bones are sore. I’ve also been experiencing rectal pressure. This is all wierd to me, what could it be?
Rachelle,
Those all sound like normal symptoms of your body getting ready for labor. I would be sure to mention all symptoms you are experiencing to your doctor at your next appointment so they can help you figure out what they all mean and check you for progress.
im 37 weeks and been having tightning in my stomach and had back pain and tonight i have very loose bowels and very sick to my stomach and just lost my mucus plug(it had a greenish color to it is that bad) plus ive been having shooting pain in my vagina does this sound like labor is on its way this is my second one and very different then first
Terra,
Those all sound like symptoms of your body getting ready for labor. Just watch for contractions that come at regular intervals and increase both in frequency and intensity. As for the tinge to your mucus plug, I would recommend you mention it to your doctor. Best of luck with your labor and delivery.
im 38+2 days and i keep getng sharp pains in my igina area it can acually bring tears t my eyes it feels like the baby gonna fly out and my waters feel lke there gonn burst i also get cramp in the ineer side of my left thigh is this normal or is labour abou to start