Because labor is uncertain, you begin to have doubts and lookout for signs of labor as your due date approaches. You may think with every cramp that if you’re having contractions, or have questions like ‘what should I do if the water breaks?’ or ‘is my back pain a sign of labor?’ You may also have asked similar questions of other mothers and received different responses for each question. However, there are some evident indicators of labor. Continue reading to learn about some obvious signs and symptoms that signal labor.
When Does Labor Start?
In most cases, labor starts between the 37th and 42nd week of pregnancy. Labor that occurs before the 37th week is called preterm or early term; labor between 39th and 40th weeks is a full term; labor after the 42nd week is late term. About 60% of women go into labor on or before their estimated due date (1). If you go beyond 41 weeks, your practitioner may recommend labor induction (2). You may begin checking for the signs of labor around your due date. However, note that the process of labor might begin way before your due date. Also, it is not necessary that you have all of these signs.
Signs And Symptoms Of Labor Pain
Labor comes after giving you enough alerts about its arrival. Here are some signs your body might give before labor. Each case is different and you may or may not have the same signs as other women did.
1. The baby “drops” (lightening)
When the body prepares for labor, the baby may settle deeper into the pelvis, making you feel lighter. There will be reduced pressure in the chest and abdomen, thus, making you breathe easily and eat a full meal (3). However, it does not mean that labor is close. It will take a few more weeks. Moreover, first-time moms can have lightening earlier than experienced moms.
2. Nesting
As the name suggests, nesting is the motherly instinct to build a haven for the baby. Amid those days of breathlessness and weakness, you might suddenly feel energetic to get up and set the house in order, paint your baby’s room, or keep the things ready for them. It is scientifically proven that nesting happens not only in other mammal species but also in humans (4).
3. Contractions get intense
One of the major signs of true labor is contractions. They will become longer and stronger as you get closer to labor. It is hard to figure out if they are real or false (Braxton Hicks) contractions. Here is how you can understand the difference:
4. Cervical changes during labor
The cervix is the opening of the uterus through which the baby is born. All through the pregnancy, this opening is thick (not effaced), closed (not dilated), pointed towards the back (posterior end of the mother), and has a layer of mucus (mucus plug) to protect the baby. The below changes to the cervix signal labor:
Thinning of the cervix (effacement): The cervix begins to thin and widen, indicating that the lower part of the uterus is ready for labor.
Opening of the cervix during labor (dilation): The cervix opens to about 10cm just before labor.
You may not know or observe the changes to the cervix; the healthcare provider might check your cervix once you near the due date (5).
5. Bloody show
As the changes occur in the cervix, you will shed the mucus plug. It drops out in a lump or discharge for a few days. It is tinged with brown, pink, or red blood and therefore referred to as “bloody show”. This indicates that labor is close (6). But note that not every pregnant woman will have this symptom. If you notice the bloody show between 32 and 34 weeks, you should call your doctor as it can be a sign of preterm labor.
6. Water breaking
Spontaneous rupture of the membranes or “breaking of the waters” is a strong symptom of labor. It happens when the amniotic sac ruptures and the fluid gushes out from the vagina. Once the waters break, you should immediately contact your doctor (7).
7. Diarrhea
During the early stage of labor, the body releases prostaglandins, which soften the cervix and contract the uterus. They also stimulate bowel movement, naturally emptying the bowel to make way for the baby. This is a good sign as it helps clean out your tummy and avoid any discomfort during labor (8). Symptoms such as diarrhea are generic and might happen anytime during pregnancy. Therefore, you do not have to panic about them. But if you observe more prominent signs such as water breaking, bloody show or frequent contractions, it could mean that you are nearing labor. You need to talk to the doctor without delay.
What Happens If The Waters Break Without Contractions?
If your water breaks but the contractions do not set in, your doctor may induce labor. This is to prevent the baby from infection as the amniotic sac is no more present to protect the baby (9). Also, if you had a positive culture for group B strep (GBS), you will need antibiotics when the water breaks (10) to prevent the infection from passing on to the baby.
What To Do In Early Labor?
Stay calm and focused when you are in labor. It is natural to be overwhelmed with apprehension or disbelief. Have your partner or family member along if you think labor is close. Here’s what you can do (6).
Lie down and relax: Find some quiet place, lie down and relax. Try to breathe normally. It helps you to cope with contractions and also stimulates your body to release oxytocin that is required for labor progression.
Stay hydrated: Drink enough water or have juices to ease labor symptoms and prevent cramps that may occur due to dehydration.
Eat well: You might feel hungry. Eat and drink when you feel like. Have small amounts of high-energy foods as it comforts you and also gives you the energy to push.
Rest and wait: Alternate between resting and walking, or take a warm bath to ease pains and aches.
You can try breathing techniques or visual imagery to cope with contractions. Check if your partner or anyone else could track the symptoms you are experiencing. Call the doctor, explain the symptoms and ask them if the time has come.
Persistent ache or pressure in the pelvic region, groin or thighs Diarrhea and intestinal cramps Dull and occasional lower backache Pinkish or brownish watery discharge before labor
You should see your doctor if you experience these signs or more than four contractions in an hour (11).
