Signs of Labor: 12 Signs Your Baby Is Ready

As exciting as it is to say hello to your newborn baby, many moms feel conflicted when labor approaches, wondering (or even worrying) what it will actually feel like and how they’ll know it’s starting.

While everyone experiences labor differently, you can look out for certain common signs that indicate it’s beginning. Read on to learn what the process of giving birth is like and what the 12 telltale signs of labor are.

Labor is different for each mom-to-be. If you’re a first-timer, you may find that it lasts longer, taking anywhere from 12 to 24 hours. If you’ve given birth before, it’s more likely to take around 7 to 10 hours. 1

While you might think of labor as just the moment you give birth, it actually unfolds in three stages: 2

• Early and active labor: In the first stage, your cervix begins dilating and thinning, and you’ll get your first contractions. This is the longest part of labor, often lasting up to 20 hours, and it ends when you are fully dilated.
• Delivery: In the second stage, your cervix is fully dilated. This is when you’ll need to push and will actually give birth to your baby.
• Afterbirth: The third and final stage comes after you’ve given birth, when you deliver the placenta.

Look out for the 12 signs that labor is approaching:

7 signs that you’re approaching labor (days to weeks away)

As mentioned, labor is a process that your body begins preparing for weeks in advance. These early stages of labor are easier to miss, so don’t worry if you don’t notice the signs right away.

1. Your baby dropping

Towards the end of your third trimester (usually 2–4 weeks before delivery), your baby will drop into your pelvis, known as “lightening.” 3

This change can make breathing easier by relieving pressure on your diaphragm, but it may also increase pressure on your bladder, leading to more frequent trips to the bathroom.

If you don’t feel anything, don’t panic. While lightening happens weeks before labor for a lot of women, others may not notice it until labor begins.

2. Your cervix changing

Your cervix prepares for labor by thinning (a process known as effacement) and opening (dilation). Doctors usually measure effacement in percentages and dilation in centimeters. Before labor, your cervix will be about 3.5cm–4cm long. When it’s fully dilated, it’ll be about 10 cm dilated. 4

These changes occur gradually and may start weeks before delivery. Your doctor will let you know when your cervix has started thinning and dilating during your prenatal checkups, but you typically won’t feel these changes yourself. 4

3. Nesting instinct

As you get closer to labor, you might  get a sudden burst of energy and an urge to clean or organize, which is often known as the “nesting instinct.” Nesting during pregnancy is very common, but try to avoid overexerting yourself as you approach the big day. You’ll need all your energy soon!

4. Lightning crotch

If you’re suffering from back pain, cramping, or sharp sensations in your pelvis, lightning crotch could be to blame. These shooting pains can come in short bursts, often due to the increased pressure on your pelvis when your baby gets into position for birth. 5

5. Diarrhea or gastrointestinal changes

Your hormonal shifts before labor may also affect your digestive system, leading to diarrhea or frequent bowel movements. 5 As inconvenient as this can be, it’s a sign your body is preparing for labor. Just be sure to stay hydrated to make up for any lost fluids.

6. Changes to your weight

Your weight may stabilize or you may even lose a little weight as you get closer to the big day. This pause in your pregnancy-induced weight gain is usually due to hormonal changes (which may cause decreased appetite) and a plateau in your baby’s growth.

On that note, gaining weight as you get closer to labor is often a different story, especially if it’s accompanied by sudden swelling of your hands and feet. These are signs of preeclampsia (a dangerous pregnancy complication characterized by high blood pressure). Keep an eye out for other early warning signs such as: 6

• Blurred vision
• Severe headaches
• Shortness of breath

Let your doctor know straight away if you notice these symptoms.

7. Loose-feeling joints

Many women notice that their joints start to feel much looser as labor approaches, which is caused by the pregnancy hormone relaxin.

Unfortunately, this can also bring about unwelcome pregnancy symptoms. Thanks to relaxin, you may have to contend with indigestion, constipation, or pregnancy-related bloating. 7

3 signs that you’re going into early labor (hours to days away)

If you start getting these early labor symptoms, you’ll need to contact your doctor—your labor might be almost upon you.

8. Bloody show

One infamous symptom that labor is approaching is when you lose your mucus plug, the thick barrier that protects your uterus during pregnancy, which results in the appearance of “bloody show.” 8

You’ll see this vaginal discharge as a stringy, mucus-like, or jelly-like substance that’s clear, pink, or blood-tinged. Some women get bloody show days or weeks before labor, while for others, it’s a matter of hours. Not all women notice this sign, but if you do, it’s an indicator that labor probably isn’t far away. 8

9. Regular contractions

If there’s a definitive sign that you’re going into labor, it’s contractions. They often start as mild, period-like cramps but grow stronger and longer (around 30–70 seconds each) and occur closer together over time. 4

True labor contractions are more regular and don’t ease with rest or changes in activity, distinguishing them from Braxton Hicks contractions. These “practice” contractions happen as your body gears up for labor and are irregular and fade with rest. 9

Time your contractions with a stopwatch or contraction timer in a pregnancy tracker app to figure out if labor is well and truly underway. Measure the time from the start of one contraction to the next, how long each one lasts, and whether they get stronger over time.

10. Your water breaking

The rupture of your amniotic sac (the bag of fluid that encases your baby), commonly known as your water breaking, is another key sign of early labor. You’ll usually go into labor within 24 hours of your water breaking. 10

You may feel this as a sudden gush of fluid or a slow, steady trickle—it won’t necessarily be as dramatic as it usually is in movies. Amniotic fluid is generally clear or pale yellow and odorless, unlike urine. 10

If your water breaks, note the time, color, and amount of fluid, then call your doctor. They’ll advise you on the next steps, especially if the fluid appears green, brown, or has a foul odor, which could indicate complications.

2 signs of active labor (hours away from delivery)

The big day is finally here. In the last few hours before your baby enters the world, you’ll experience:

11. Intensified contractions

Once you get into active labor, your contractions will become significantly more intense. They’ll happen more frequently (around 5 minutes apart) and become stronger with each wave. 8

At this stage, the pain may become so severe that walking or talking through each contraction will be difficult or impossible.

12. Full cervical dilation

At this point, your cervix will dilate fully to 10 centimeters. 11 Your doctor or midwife will closely monitor this stage through regular cervical checks to assess how quickly you’re advancing and determine when it’s time for you to start pushing.

Once you give birth to your baby, you’ll then deliver the placenta, and the marathon of labor will be behind you.

Preterm labor is defined as going into labor before week 37 of your pregnancy. The symptoms of preterm labor are very similar to those of “ordinary” labor, such as: 12

• Regular contractions: Again, true labor contractions are more consistent than Braxton Hicks contractions and don’t subside with rest. Monitor the frequency and intensity of your contractions.
• Changes to your pregnancy discharge: While vaginal discharge is normal during pregnancy, a sudden change, such as a watery, mucus-like, or bloody appearance can be a sign of preterm labor. Be quick to get in touch with your doctor if your discharge is bright red and thin.
• Back pain and cramps: Persistent lower back pain or menstrual-like cramps may also signal that you’re going into preterm labor. These symptoms are often accompanied by uterine contractions or pelvic pressure and shouldn’t be ignored, especially if you get them regularly or they intensify.
• Your water breaking: Your water breaking before 37 weeks is a clear sign of preterm labor. Provide your doctor with details about the fluid’s timing, color, and quantity.

If you do spot these signs, get in touch with your doctor immediately. Depending on how far into labor you are, your doctor may be able to give you medication that slows or stops it. If you’re already too far along, your doctor may need to give your baby medication that will prepare him for premature birth. 12

When you start noticing those early signs, stay calm and keep an eye on your symptoms. Get in touch with your doctor and head to the hospital when they tell you to.

In the meantime, try to engage in light activities to take your mind off your contractions and pass the time. Go for a walk, watch a movie, or tackle small tasks around the house.

Since labor is physically demanding, it’s important to rest as much as possible. If your contractions are mild and irregular, lie down, take a nap, or find other ways to relax. A warm bath or shower will relax your muscles, and gentle massages or using dim lighting can create a more soothing environment.

What happens when you get to the hospital?

When you arrive at the hospital, you’ll check in at the labor and delivery desk. Initially, you’ll be taken to a triage room, where your pulse, blood pressure, and temperature will be assessed.

Your nurse or doctor will then place an external fetal monitor on your abdomen to measure your baby’s heart rate and your contractions before performing a cervical exam to evaluate your labor progress.

Once admitted, you’ll move to a labor, delivery, and recovery (LDR) room. You’ll probably receive an IV for fluids or medications. Remember, it’s for you to decide how much pain relief you want, so don’t hesitate to speak up.

If you’re close to the finish line and itching to bring your baby into the world, you may wonder if you can naturally speed up the process yourself.

While many women claim that a few tricks (e.g., having sex, eating spicy food, or walking) can bring on labor earlier, there’s very limited scientific evidence to back up these methods. It’s usually better to let nature take its course and allow your baby to come out when he’s ready. 13

Can your doctor induce labor?

Although labor will naturally start for most moms, there are certain scenarios where your doctor will need to induce it, such as if there’s a complication that puts you or your baby at risk.

Some of the more common methods for medically inducing labor include: 14

• Ripening your cervix: Your doctor will give you hormones called prostaglandins to soften, thin, and stretch your cervix so that it’s primed for delivery.
• Manually breaking your water (amniotomy): Your doctor will artificially rupture your amniotic sac with a small plastic hook. If your cervix is ready, you’ll usually go into labor within a few hours.
• Stripping of the membranes: Your doctor will separate your amniotic sac from your uterine wall by sweeping a gloved finger between them. This will trigger your body to release its own prostaglandins, which will ripen your cervix and may stimulate contractions.

The signs of labor aren’t the same for every woman, but you’ll probably experience at least some of the symptoms listed above. Try to relax; your doctor or midwife will be with you every step of the way.

As you approach the moment you’ve been waiting for, remember that each contraction brings you closer to meeting your baby. Big congratulations are in order! You only have one final push (figuratively and literally) before you can finally cuddle your baby.