We all think of painful contractions when we think of labor, but there are OTHER signs that you might be missing, that go along with contractions before you really head into active labor. These weird labor signs and symptoms might be just what you need to watch for the RIGHT stuff.
Of course, like all things not everyone will have these signs — but these are ones a lot of people don’t notice until they’re in active labor…. so I hope you’ll find them helpful.
But first, how do I know so much about labor signs? Hello — I’m Hilary, a lot of people know me as The Pregnancy Nurse®. I’ve been a nurse since 1997 and I have 20 years of labor and delivery experience that included a LOT of people wondering if they were in labor. So, I’m pretty-much an expert on this one. I also run my own birth class if you’re looking for one that’s super easy to do. Come join me!
Obviously, if you have signs of labor PRIOR to 36 weeks (preterm labor) you’ll want to talk with your provider and see what they recommend. These signs you’re watching for is once baby is considered term and you’re good to go.
Ok, let’s talk about these signs that labor might be coming! FYI I also have a post on my sister site that details ALL the different signs to watch for.
You Can Breathe Better
Baby has been riding high up into diaphragm and lungs — and suddenly you can breathe better?
That may mean that baby has “dropped” (also called fetal lightening). This just means that baby has come down into your pelvis vs way up in your lungs.
Some people feel a “drop” and some just notice it gradually.
However, I didn’t notice it until about 30 minutes before my babies were born — so, like I said not everyone is going to feel all these things (if at all).
Want to know more about baby’s position before birth — check out these posts:
- 27 Weeks Pregnant: Baby Development & Position
- How to Dilate Faster
- How to Tell if Your Baby is Head Down
- Normal Daily Fetal Movement – Kick Counts
- What is an “Unfavorable Cervix”? What does it mean for your labor?
Changes in Discharge
The closer you get to your due date, what’s going on in your panties may change — often people find they need to wear a pad because it’s just getting ready for baby to come through.
This can include changes in:
- Amount
- Color
- How thick or thin it is
This can also include losing your mucus plug. It’s very different than your regular discharge — I have a whole article about what the mucus plug looks like.
While the mucus plug is NOT a reason to go straight to the hospital, it is a sign your cervix is softening and maybe it’s going to be go time soon. It’s a great reminder to get that hospital bag packed:
Nausea or Diarrhea
Why would your STOMACH get into the action? Honestly, when one part of your abdomen gets angry sometimes the other ones just want to jump in too. In this case, I’m guessing your GI tract wants to clear itself out before birth.
This can also present by just not being very hungry too.
Fun reminder that your rectum is right next to your birth canal. I have a whole post on avoiding pooping in the delivery room. But here is also where I remind you that no one in the delivery room cares. It’s weird, I get it — but we just don’t.
VERY Sleepy
Some studies about labor show that some people get a huge rush of fatigue before baby is born.
I know, I know — how on earth can you tell this from the life-shattering fatigue you’re already feeling?
Honestly, I don’t know. But people to describe it as like a wave of fatigue where their body is just saying REST UP before the big labor event occurs.
Personally, if I had this, I didn’t notice it. I was very tired, but I didn’t really ever feel a “wave” that was worse than usual.
Burst of Energy
On the complete opposite end of the spectrum, some people describe a burst of activity right before they go into labor.
This also can make sense as there may be things you need to do to get your dwelling ready for baby to be born.
This is different than that urge to nest a lot of people get in their 2nd-3rd trimester…. it is more of a wave of energy. And honestly, if you get this, I can’t recommend ANY more to ride it. Ideas to do:
- Make freezer meals
- Get any cleaning that should be done, done
- Organize baby’s room
- Get a diaper basket ready
- Get your postpartum items ready
BTW, not sure what you need postpartum — grab my checklist here:
I know a lot of you might think you’ve run out of time to get a birth class in. But The Online Prenatal Class for Couples was meant to be done in just a few hours. I promise you still have time (and if you don’t — there’s a money-back guarantee). Getting prepared for birth is the smartest thing you can do with these hours before birth.
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