Wondering when labor will begin?
Unfortunately there’s no way to tell for sure, but there ARE some signs that labor may be coming soon.
Before you mark any dates on your calendar, though, you should know that any of these can happen weeks or more before labor begins—there’s no foolproof way to predict when your baby will make their arrival.
That being said, your baby MAY give you some clues that they’re getting ready to kick-start your labor.
Signs your labor MAY be starting:
- You might feel baby “drop,” and move farther down into your pelvis.
- You might notice an increase or change in vaginal discharge (you may even lose your mucus plug!)
- Are you suddenly compelled to clean and organize EVERYTHING? This could be your nesting instincts kicking in, which sometimes happens as labor gets closer.
- You may have diarrhea or loose stools as your body prepares (and clears a path) for birth.
- If your provider checks your cervix, they may note that it has started dilated (opening), effacing (thinning out) or both.
- You may notice pink or brown spotting or bloody show
- If you’ve been having Braxton Hicks, you might notice them pick up a bit prior to labor beginning
- Are you suddenly feeling totally exhausted and fatigued? Your body may be trying to get you well rested before the hard work of labor!
Note: if you ever have any symptoms that worry or concern you, call your provider right away. Also be sure to call your provider if you’re think you may be going into labor prior to 37 weeks of pregnancy.
Don’t take any of these as sure signs that labor is around the corner, but instead take it as a sign that it’s time to get some extra rest and maybe double check that your carseat is installed and birth bag packed.
Sure signs your labor IS starting:
- Your cervix is rapidly changing
- Your contractions are becoming longer, stronger and closer together
- Your contraction strength does not change and actually may increase if you move positions
- You can’t talk during your contractions
- Better yet, you don’t desire to talk AT ALL in-between your contractions.
- Your water breaks
- You have a large amount of bloody show that is red and keeps coming each time you wipe that is associated with many many contractions.
When it’s time for baby, we know you will know you are in labor. Many moms wonder ” Will I know when I’m in labor”? Our answer is always yes! Your body will tell you! It is nice though to see a few signs that may be coming your way 🙂
Happy Birthing!
