You finally made it through your third trimester and now you’re wondering about the Signs You’re Going into Labor. It’s normal to feel anxious and scared not knowing the unknown because every woman is different and all pregnancies are different.
I had two completely different labors with my kiddos. It took me by surprise when I went into labor with my second as it was longer and more painful. Most people say that after the first it gets easier but from my experience, it was the opposite.
Some women start experiencing labor symptoms weeks before giving birth or sometimes just days. What is super exciting, is that whatever type of labor pains you experience, it’ll be all worth it at the end!
The Baby Drops
This can happen anywhere from a couple of weeks to a few hours prior to labor starting. It is also referred to as Lightening, as the baby’s head literally drops into the pelvis becoming engaged in your pubic bones.
Signs that your baby has dropped can include a feeling of increased pressure leading to short bursts of zings. I have personally experienced this and it comes quite shocking! You can breathe easier as the baby is no longer in your diaphragm but with that more frequent trips to the bathroom. Also, you might notice an increase in discharge. so don’t be alarmed.
You Lose your Mucus Plug
It is also called a Bloody Show. The Mucus Plug has kept your cervix closed to protect your baby from infection. It releases when the cervix begins to dilate and tends to fall out 2-5 days before labor. All pregnancies are different so be sure to call your doctor. It resembles gelatin and is usually yellowish-white with streaks of pink.
You Start Getting Contractions
Contractions can start as early as a few weeks before labor. Which can be frustrating when you don’t know what to expect. I got excited at 38 weeks as I started getting contractions but one week later… Still Pregnant. My midwife informed me that this was very normal. Braxton-Hicks are contractions preparing your body for the real thing and are mild and not consistent.
There is also Prodromal Labor which are contractions that come and go before active labor actually starts. I had this with my second and it was confusing only because the timing was never consistent. You think that you have to go to the hospital, then they go away for several hours. This can actually go on for several days.
Tips for Contractions
- Set a Timer- Real Labor comes at regular intervals and get closer together. False contractions are irregular and don’t get closer in time.
- Keep It Moving- False contractions stop when you change positions, walk around or rest. Real Labor doesn’t stop as you move around.
- The Intensity- Real Labor steadily gets stronger as false contractions start to fade away.
Your Water Breaks
Sometimes when your Water Breaks, and out comes a gush of water or it can be a slow trickle. Amniotic Fluid is colorless and odorless, in some even a slight sweet smell. Believe it or not, only 15% of women actually experience their water breaking.
My Midwife ended up breaking my water when I was 8 cm dilated to progress my labor. I couldn’t believe how much fluid was coming out and it was very warm! After that, my contractions got quite intense!
Lower Back Pain
Back Labor will set in when you are actively in Labor. You may feel a constant pain in your lower back that becomes intense at the height of a contraction. This is something I experienced with my firstborn. My goodness! This is a pain that is nothing nice and to be honest, the labor contractions were worse than actually giving birth. I also preferred to go all-natural and pass on the epidural. You can check out my birth story if you’d like to hear more!
Sudden Bursts of Energy
Also called Nesting which is an instinct to nurture and prepare for baby. You will find yourself constantly cleaning and organizing making sure everything is just perfect. I had an obsession with vacuuming and mopping! It was crazy to me when all day I was struggling to get through and then all of a sudden after dinner I got this energy to clean. This was happening literally every day and I felt proud when I was finished.
Good Luck to all my Mamas about to Give Birth. It gives you this Amazing strength to know that you can do anything! Please call your doctor or Midwife to confirm labor as everyone’s pregnancies differ.
This is very helpful it’s always hard to tell if you are in labor or not.
This is very helpful! Thank you!
These are great! Sending to my sister in law who is due soon
Thank you!
These are great tips! I had two very different labor experiences so it would be interesting to see what a 3rd would bring.
This is so true! I’m trying for number 3 next year!
I remember experiencing all of these signs during my first pregnancy. The tips you gave for contractions were spot on! Thanks for sharing
Thank you!
My sister’s due date is tomorrow and she lost her mucus plug a few days ago. We are waiting for my little niece to arrive! ❤️ I’m also about to send this to her!
I never went into labor as both my babes were breech so I had scheduled c-sections, but after reading this I kinda wish I knew what it was like. Sounds amazing to be able to feel your body prepare itself.