8 Signs Labor Is Near (And When to Take Action!)

You’ll know baby’s coming soon when you first go into labor. But what exactly is labor? Essentially, it’s the start of childbirth—and you’ll know it’s happening when you start to feel contractions that become increasingly frequent and painful. Of course, labor might not start exactly on your due date. “It remains one of the few bodily processes we cannot reliably control,” says Belinda Smith, DNP, CNM, clinical director and co-founder of Willow Midwife Centers for Birth and Wellness AZ. “While we recognize various signs of labor and can sometimes induce the process medically, the natural onset follows its own timeline.”

So how will you know when it’s time to grab your hospital bag and get to the delivery room? Rest assured that there will likely be some signs labor is near. That said, it can be unnerving trying to determine if it’s the main event or just a false alarm (hello again, Braxton Hicks). “I’m due tomorrow, and so far I have had no indications of baby’s arrival any time soon—nothing at all,” shares QueenV718, a community member on The Bump.

While the signs of labor aren’t always crystal clear, the good news is that your body usually gives you some pretty solid clues. Ready to get a leg up on what the signs that labor is near? Read on to what to expect and what to do.

Key Takeaways

• The signs of labor will vary for every pregnant person; some symptoms may be more subtle than others.
• Some early signs of early labor include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, increased bowel movements, lower back pain, cervical dilation and effacement and the loss of the mucus plug.
• Some signs that active labor is near and labor is progressing include your water breaking, increased pressure in your pelvis and rectum and regular, painful contractions.
• There are some labor signs that warrant an immediate call to your doctor: contractions that are 30 seconds long and five minutes apart for an hour; contractions that are so painful you can’t walk or talk; seeing red, brown or green liquid when your water breaks; and vaginal bleeding.
• Even with these signs of labor, it’s hard to say when exactly baby will make their debut. How long early labor lasts will vary based on several factors.

8 Signs Labor is Near

Wondering what the early signs of labor are? First, it’s important to understand what happens during early or latent labor, which is the first part of the first stage of labor. During early labor, you’ll likely begin to dilate as much as 6 centimeters, says Christine Greves, MD, a board-certified ob-gyn at the Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women & Babies in Orlando, Florida (more on that below)—but this may not happen as obviously as you think.

In fact, while it may seem like early labor signs will be evident, many of the signs that labor is beginning mirror typical pregnancy symptoms, which is why it can be so difficult to determine exactly when labor begins. Chances are, you’ll realize these subtle changes in your body only in hindsight. And some, like nesting, may be even easier to miss. (This common occurrence is when moms-to-be get a burst of energy to finish all the preparations for baby’s arrival, but it often occurs a few weeks before labor actually starts.)

While the signs of early labor may be easy to miss, knowing what to look for and what to expect will help. Below, experts point out some signs labor is near.

Nausea and diarrhea

Remember morning sickness? It probably seems like ages ago at this point! But many women experience gastrointestinal upset late in the third trimester as well, and wonder, “Is diarrhea a sign of labor?” or maybe, “Is nausea a sign of labor?” Nausea and vomiting in the final weeks of pregnancy happen mostly because baby is growing and the uterus crowds into the space of the GI tract (stomach and intestines), says Colleen Moreno, DNP, CNM, director of midwifery services at Stanford Children’s Health, a network of practices and hospitals in the San Francisco Bay area. But they could also be early signs of labor. As the big event approaches, key hormones cause your muscles to relax and loosen—including those in your rectum. So, yes, diarrhea may also be a telling clue.

Effacement and dilation

In the last few weeks of pregnancy, you’ll be visiting your doctor more frequently—and they’ll start checking your cervix for effacement (thinning) and dilation (opening). While it may be encouraging to hear that things are progressing, don’t get too excited yet. This process can be swift and sudden or slow and steady; it may happen over the course of hours, days or weeks. “Some women will be living their normal day-to-day life with a cervix dilated to 4 or 5 centimeters when they’re full-term,” says Julie Lamppa, APRN, CNM, a certified nurse midwife at the Mayo Clinic.

Lightening

As you approach delivery day, a friend or loved one might look you up and down and inform you that “baby has dropped.” This is called lightening; it means that baby has settled lower into your pelvis in preparation for the big event. It typically occurs a few days (or weeks) before labor, according to the American Pregnancy Association (APA). You may suddenly also have an easier time breathing, as there’s now less pressure on your diaphragm. Unfortunately, there’s increased pressure on your bladder. Don’t worry, the middle-of-the-night potty trips will come to an end soon enough.

Loosening of the joints

If your body is starting to feel a little looser and more relaxed, it’s not a coincidence. In fact, it may be one of the early signs that labor is near. Your body releases the joint-loosening hormone relaxin during the final stretch of pregnancy; it helps ready your body for the major feat ahead, but may also make you feel extra flexible—just be careful not to overstretch! While relaxin hasn’t been medically proven to start labor, studies have found it may help promote cervical ripening.

Lower back pain

Contractions often begin in the back and move forward to the pelvis, notes the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). And some women do experience “back labor,” which is characterized by severe discomfort in the lower back that’s most intense during contractions and often painful between contractions.

Expulsion of the mucus plug

Before baby can be delivered, your cervix has to thin out and open up, and as that happens, the mucus plug—a thick, mucus-like membrane that’s been blocking bacteria from entering your uterus—is pushed out, according to ACOG. The mucus plug could be released all at once or little by little like a thick discharge. While this is one of the signs labor is near, it doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll be delivering baby super soon. Labor could be hours, days or even weeks away as the cervix gradually opens.

Blood-tinged discharge

When your mucus plug is expelled, some of the surrounding blood vessels may burst, leading to slightly bloody discharge. Sometimes called the “bloody show,” this discharge is one of the signs that labor is near, anywhere from minutes to up to two weeks away, says William Schweizer, MD, a former clinical associate professor in the department of obstetrics and gynecology at NYU Langone Medical Center in New York City. If you picture the size of a quarter, it’s normal to see about 50 cents worth of blood, he adds. If the bleeding is as heavy as your menstrual period, let your doctor know right away.

Regular cramping and contractions

A big tip off that labor is near? Contractions that are coming regularly. “When the contractions start to increase in regularity and are becoming persistent, that’s probably the beginning of the latent phase,” Greves says. During this time, contractions may start about 15 minutes apart and last about 60 to 90 seconds, and then speed up to about five minutes apart.

But exactly what do early contractions feel like? By this point in your pregnancy, you’ve probably experienced just about every type of cramp possible. Well, except for this one very important (and painful!) type. Often, contractions during the latent phase of labor can feel like a strong tightening, squeezing or cramping in your back and lower belly, combined with (oh joy!) pressure in the pelvis. These can be super-painful or just a little uncomfortable, depending on your pain threshold, Greves says. If your early labor contractions aren’t bothering you, that’s a definite perk. Just know that they very likely will at some point. “In addition to frequency and regularity, the contractions should be progressively getting stronger or more uncomfortable,” Lamppa says.

According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, you can expect to feel these contractions every 5 to 20 minutes, and they may last between 60 and 90 seconds, Greves adds.

What to Do During Early Labor Signs

It’s a good idea to check in with your obstetrician or midwife’s office and let them know you’re experiencing early labor contractions, and give your doula the heads up, if you’re using one. They’ll likely tell you at what point to start heading to the hospital, but be warned: It might not be right away. That’s because many hospitals won’t admit you until you’re in active labor, so during the latent phase of labor, you’re probably better off at home.

You’ll want to make sure your bag is packed for the hospital and do what you can to stay comfortable. That may mean taking a bath or shower, walking and utilizing labor positions like bouncing on an exercise ball or swaying on your hands and knees, Lamppa says.

If you’re not too uncomfortable during early labor, don’t hesitate to use the time to get some sleep. “If you feel like your body needs rest, then rest,” Lamppa says. “Dozing or deep relaxation between contractions can help you recharge.” It’s also a good idea to stay well hydrated and eat light meals or healthy snacks during this time, she says.

How long does early labor last?

Every woman is different, and it’s hard to say exactly how long your early labor will last. It can be anywhere from hours to days, says Jessica Shepherd, MD, FACOG, an ob-gyn in Dallas, Texas.

“This depends on several factors, but one of the biggest influencers will be if you have labored or had a vaginal birth before,” Lamppa adds. “If this is your first baby, early labor can last for even a day or two, or it can be a matter of hours. It’s very hard to predict. If you have had babies before, the intensity of contractions can progress very quickly, even during this early phase of labor.”

Signs Active Labor Is Near

If those symptoms you’re experiencing really are early labor signs, you can expect active labor next. This is the second part of the first stage of labor. Per Johns Hopkins Medicine, this is the stage during which you’ll dilate to a full 10 centimeters. Good news: it’s usually shorter than early labor. Wondering how you’ll know when active labor has begun? Here are some typical indicators that you’ve progressed from the early labor signs to actual active labor.

Regular, painful contractions

It’s inevitable—your contractions will become more frequent, longer and more intense. “These contractions may be felt in the front, in the low back, down the thighs or all around—there are no concrete rules,” Lamppa says. They may occur as soon as every three to four minutes, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine. This indicates your body is beginning the process of birthing baby. The best thing to do? Relax as much as you can, get comfortable or perhaps take a shower. Time the contractions and head to the hospital or birthing center when they become about five minutes apart, if you haven’t already.

Rupturing of the amniotic sac (aka water breaking)

Despite what movies will have us believe, how your water breaks (in other words, how the membranes of the amniotic sac burst) can vary a lot, Schweizer says: It could be a minimal trickle or more like a gushing sensation. It may even feel like you’re peeing—but if you squeeze your pelvic muscles and can’t control the leaking, it’s probably not urine. Keep in mind, though, not all women’s water will break—in fact, only about 10 percent experience a rupturing of the membranes. According to Mayo Clinic, it’s also possible for your water to break before you’re in active labor. But if your water breaks and you’re experiencing contractions, this is one of the biggest signs of active labor. If your water breaks at term, but contractions haven’t set in yet, your doctor may want you to wait a few hours before coming in. If the liquid is red, brown or green in color, or if you see more than a quarter of a cup of fluid, call your doctor.

Increased pelvic and rectal pressure

Pelvic pressure is a common sign of labor during the later stages. You may feel pressure in your rectum too. Moreno describes it as a feeling “similar to needing to have a bowel movement.” Get ready, because this means that baby’s really on the way!

From here, contractions will really become your primary labor sign, as your body works to fully dilate to 10 centimeters and push out baby.

Signs of Labor That Warrant a Call to the Doctor

Your doctor will give you instructions on what to do and when to call if you start experiencing signs of labor. But if you’re unsure or have any disconcerting symptoms, don’t hesitate to reach out right away. And if this isn’t your first baby, Lamppa says you’ll want to keep in mind that things might move faster this time around. Either way, experts say you’ll want to get in touch with your practitioner right away if you experience any or all of the following:

• Contractions that last between 60 and 120 seconds and are five minutes apart for about an hour
• Strong contractions you can’t talk or walk through
• Your water breaks—especially if it’s red, brown or green
• You’re bleeding (more than spotting)

What’s more, if you have reason to suspect you’re in preterm labor (before week 37), call your doctor right away.

Signs-of-Labor Chart

It may be hard to believe because of how hard they can be to spot, but there are actually quite a few clues that baby is on the way! Below, find all the signs that labor is near in one handy chart.

Your body will give you lots of physical cues in advance of baby’s debut. Still, validating these early signs of labor can be challenging—especially for first time moms. You may wonder: “Is this a true indication of labor?” The answer: Only time will tell. Try to stay calm, monitor your contractions and don’t be embarrassed to call your doctor—even if you’re not entirely confident it’s go time. One way or another, baby is coming (sooner or later!). You’ve got this.

Please note: The Bump and the materials and information it contains are not intended to, and do not constitute, medical or other health advice or diagnosis and should not be used as such. You should always consult with a qualified physician or health professional about your specific circumstances.