Signs of Labor - 7 Signs You May Be in Labor
This is one of the most asked questions from all moms. It doesn’t matter if you’ve had 10 babies or if you’re a first time mom, there’s a lot of anticipation around going into labor. Sometimes there’s also excitement, nervousness, anxiety, and pressure from friends and family members. I birthed five babies myself; I get it! Every single time feels new and different. There will likely come a point, even in true, real-deal labor, when you feel unsure of whether it is really happening.
Signs of labor:
You lost your mucus plug - This isn’t the most reliable sign because you can lose all or part of your mucus plug weeks before labor. In fact, your mucus plug can regenerate. You should definitely get excited though because losing your mucus plug is a sign things are happening in your body. This sign is more indicative of labor if other things are also happening, like contractions or back pain.
Contractions - The most reliable sign. There’s a couple of different possibilities here: Braxton Hicks, which are like the pre-game , or ‘false labor’, where your contractions feel very much like the real thing, but are not productive. No need to get caught up in all of that though! Just know that you CAN have contractions and not be in active labor. I know that’s frustrating and kind of confusing. Here’s what to look for - contractions that are becoming more intense, longer, and more frequent. These contractions will require concentration/focus and comfort measures, unlike Braxton Hicks.
Back Pain - Back & body pain in pregnancy is pretty common. Who can get comfortable at night in the third trimester? I have definitely been there! Persistent back pain, back pain that comes and goes with contractions, or contractions that radiate to your back can all be a sign of labor.
Bloody Show - A small amount of blood or blood-tinged mucus is a sign that your cervix is thinning and dilating. It’s important to note that you should always contact your provider if you have bleeding in pregnancy - any amount. Never make assumptions about vaginal bleeding.
Prelabor Diarrhea - Yes, it is a thing. It typically starts 24-48 hours before labor. Remember to stay hydrated. Is labor just around the corner, or have you caught a stomach virus? Sometimes it can be hard to tell, but in conjunction with some of your other symptoms, it could be a sign of labor. *Note that not all women describe this as diarrhea, but it could also just be pooping much more frequently than usual.
Your Water Breaks - AKA, rupture of membranes. This is probably the most well-known sign , but it’s not always that straightforward. Your water can break with a pop and a gush like you see in the movies, but that’s much less common than your water breaking with a trickle. The trickle can be a little more difficult to distinguish from urine or even the increase of discharge that you experience in pregnancy. And if you’re thinking, HOW COULD IT BE DIFFICULT TO DIFFERENTIATE FROM URINE??? You clearly haven’t developed a cough from hell at the end of the third trimester. Consider yourself lucky. When your water does break, it doesn’t stop leaking until you have delivered your baby. It may not be obvious amounts constantly, but if you cough, sneeze, laugh, or change positions from laying to sitting or sitting to standing, you are more likely to notice leaking then if it is amniotic fluid.
If you think your membranes have ruptured, take note of TACO and alert your provider.
Nausea & Vomiting - Inarguably probably the worst symptom. Some women experience nausea and vomiting right from the very start of labor. This is another, like diarrhea, where it could be a stomach virus. In conjunction with other signs, it’s more likely to be a sign of labor.
Tl;Dr - Signs of Labor: lost mucus plug, contractions, back pain, bloody show, diarrhea, your water breaks, nausea and vomiting