Signs Labor Is Near: Are You Days or Hours From Meeting Baby?

As a two-time preemie mom, you’d think my experience with early signs of labor wouldn’t align with what’s typical—but that’s not true. While I missed out on much of the lead-up anticipation of late pregnancy, my body still went through many of the telltale signs of labor.

So, what are the clues to watch for? Unfortunately, there’s no way to know when, exactly, you’ll go into labor or even how long labor will last.

“No single symptom will predict impending labor,” explains Brandi Fields, CNM, a certified nurse-midwife at Pediatrix Medical Group in Columbus, Ohio. “I’ve experienced patients with several early signs that last for several days before laboring and I’ve had patients with not a single sign go into full spontaneous labor the next day.”

Still, there are some signs that labor is approaching. Read on to learn what to expect from early labor, active labor—and everything in-between.

Key Takeaways

• Not everyone will experience the same signs of labor, and some symptoms may be more subtle than others.
• Signs you may notice in the days and weeks leading up to labor may include more frequent trips to the bathroom, loss of the mucus plug, the sensation of baby dropping and cervical changes.
• Some early signs of labor include more consistent contractions, bloody show and digestive issues.
• You’ll likely know when you’re in active labor, as these signs don’t tend to be subtle, including progressive contractions, intense pelvic pressure and rupture of the membranes (water breaking).
• As much as we’d like to, we can’t use signs of approaching or early labor to predict exactly when baby will arrive, and how long labor will last varies from person to person.

At a Glance: Signs Labor Is Near

Here’s what to expect in the weeks, days and hours leading up to labor.

Signs Labor Is Approaching (Weeks or Days Away)

There are a few things that may happen during late pregnancy that signal labor may be approaching. However, there’s no guarantee just how quickly (or slowly) things will progress. “While there’s a countdown to a woman’s due date, there are no reliable countdowns to spontaneous labor,” says Fields. “Symptoms and signs that are classic can be present for days or even weeks before someone may go into active labor.”

Even so, it’s nice to know what to look for. Here are a few symptoms that may indicate labor is approaching.

Nesting instinct and energy shifts

• Timeline: The nesting instinct occurs later in pregnancy, but it doesn’t follow a predictable timeline, says Dr. Robert Thompson, DO, a board-certified physician executive with specialized training in women’s health and medical contributor at Care Point Boston.
• What to look for: A sudden increase in energy and an urge to clean, organize and generally prepare for baby’s arrival. This can also go the opposite way, with some moms experiencing an increase in fatigue.
• Why it happens: No one is really sure why the instinct to prepare happens. Dr. Thompson and notes that it’s not considered a “medically dependable” sign for predicting labor.

Lightening (baby drops)

• Timeline: With a first baby, typically baby drops a few weeks before labor. In later pregnancies, baby may not drop until labor starts.
• What to look for: You may hear friends and family telling you that they can tell baby has dropped, and you may even notice a slight change in your bump shape when you look at yourself in the mirror. You may also have an easier time breathing since there’s now less pressure on your diaphragm.
• Why it happens: Lightening happens when baby settles into your pelvis, preparing for labor and delivery.

Frequent urination and change in discharge

• Timeline: Once baby has dropped.
• What to look for: More frequent urination and an increase or change in the consistency of vaginal discharge.
• Why it happens: According to Fields, once baby has dropped, it puts more pressure on your bladder, causing you to use the bathroom more often than you’re probably used to. Similarly, she explains that between baby’s head putting more pressure on the pelvis and the cervix beginning to soften and open, expecting moms may experience an increase in discharge or a possible change in its consistency.

Cervical changes (effacement and dilation)

• Timeline: Varies—it can take days or weeks before delivery, typically after baby has dropped.
• What to look for: You may not even know your cervix is thinning (effacement) or opening (dilation). “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,” points out Julie Lamppa, APRN, CNM, a certified nurse-midwife at the Mayo Clinic.
• Why it happens: Once again, this is your body preparing for delivery. The cervix has to thin out and open in order for baby to get through (and out into the world).

Losing the mucus plug

• Timeline: You’ll usually lose your mucus plug around 37 weeks (though it can happen sooner, in which case you should call your doctor, just to be safe).
• What to look for: A thick, mucus-like membrane will come out like vaginal discharge. It may come out all at once, or it could come out in pieces.
• Why it happens: The mucus plug acts as a barrier between bacteria and your uterus, and as your cervix opens and thins, the plug loosens and becomes dislodged. For me, during my second pregnancy, I lost my mucus plug in one big piece. It was immediately clear to me that this wasn’t normal discharge. Still, even after losing it, it was another four weeks before I actually went into labor.

Weight loss or plateau

• Timeline: Usually within days or a week before labor begins.
• What to look for: Either you’re no longer gaining pounds, or you’ve lost weight (nothing extreme—typically 1 to 3 pounds).
• Why it happens: While Fields notes that weight loss or plateau is not a medical sign that labor is approaching, it’s not uncommon for expecting moms to experience this in the days leading up to labor. She explains that this weight loss is “likely from fluid balance shifts and/or digestive changes.” She also emphasizes that you should still discuss any noticeable weight loss with your provider to ensure there are no complications.

Loosening joints

• Timeline: Toward the end of pregnancy, close to labor.
• What to look for: Your body may feel a little looser and more relaxed, and you may even notice you’re more flexible than you were a week ago (but be careful not to overstretch and cause injury).
• Why it happens: As you approach labor, your body releases a surge of the joint-loosening hormone relaxin. This hormone loosens your joints, muscles and ligaments in your pelvis to prepare your body for labor and delivery. While relaxin hasn’t been medically proven to start labor, studies have found it may help promote cervical ripening.

Signs of Early Labor (Days or Hours Away!)

Once you reach early labor—also known as latent labor—you’re in the first official stage of labor, where the countdown is more predictable.

During this stage, you’ll likely begin to dilate as much as 6 centimeters, says Dr. Christine Greves, MD, a board-certified ob-gyn at Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women & Babies in Orlando, Florida. In many cases, you’ll experience these symptoms at home before going to the hospital or birthing center (though not always, such as with an induction or scheduled C-section.

There’s no telling how long or how uncomfortable this phase is, as it varies from person to person. “Latent labor can be different for each person, not only the intensity, but the length, which can reassure patients who feel they’ve been in early labor for a long period of time,” says Fields. Here are some of the symptoms you may experience.

Digestive upset (nausea and diarrhea)

• Timeline: Often in the day or two before labor starts, though this varies.
• What to look for: You may experience nausea or loose poop in the early stage of labor.
• Why it happens: During early labor, key hormones cause your muscles to relax and loosen—including your rectum—and can also stimulate your bowels. As for nausea, this could be a reaction to pain from contractions or an effect of baby descending into your pelvis.

Increasing and sporadic contractions

• Timeline: 24 to 48 hours before delivery.
• What to look for: According to Fields, you’ll experience contractions that are more frequent and stronger than Braxton Hicks. 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 pressure in the pelvis. You’ll likely notice a pattern in how close together they are. They’ll also become more intense and start lasting longer. You may have difficulty “doing simpler tasks, like walking or talking,” says Fields, and sleeping may become more difficult and interrupted.
• Why it happens: These contractions can help thin out and open up your cervix to prepare for active labor. You’re considered in latent labor until you’re dilated 6 centimeters.

Bloody show

• Timeline: Bloody show can happen minutes to days before active labor.
• What to look for: If you picture the size of a quarter, it’s normal to see about 50 cents worth of blood, says Dr. William Schweizer, MD, a retired clinical professor in the department of obstetrics and gynecology at NYU Langone Medical Center in New York City. If the bleeding is as heavy as your menstrual period, let your doctor know right away.
• Why it happens: When your mucus plug is expelled, some of the surrounding blood vessels may burst, leading to slightly bloody discharge, says Dr. Schweizer.

What to do when you experience early labor signs

It’s a good idea to check in with your ob-gyn or midwife’s office and let them know you’re experiencing early labor contractions and other signs, and give your doula a 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 hospital bag is packed 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, says nurse-midwife Lamppa. 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.

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 Dr. Jessica Shepherd, MD, FACOG, an ob-gyn and minimally invasive gynecologic surgeon at Baylor University Medical Center in Dallas, Texas.

“This depends on several factors, but one of the biggest influencers will be if you’ve labored or had a vaginal birth before,” Lamppa notes. “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’ve had babies before, the intensity of contractions can progress very quickly, even during this early phase of labor.”

Signs You’ve Entered Active Labor (Hours or Minutes Away!)

The “active phase of labor is defined as an individual who’s reached 6 centimeters dilated,” says nurse-midwife Fields. Active labor symptoms are more intense than early labor symptoms, but fortunately, active labor is usually shorter in duration than early labor.

Aside from the 6-centimeter marker, here are some other signs that you’ve progressed to the active labor stage.

Progressive contractions and back pain

• Timeline: Hours and minutes leading up to delivery.
• What to look for: The contractions you felt during early labor will become even more intense. They’ll be closer together, longer and likely more painful. “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. Some women experience back labor, which is characterized by severe discomfort in the lower back that’s most intense during contractions and often painful between contractions. If your contractions are around five minutes apart and you’re not already headed to the hospital, it’s generally time to go (unless your provider has told you something different).
• Why it happens: This is your body beginning the process of birthing baby. These contractions will further dilate your cervix to give baby the space they need to come out. “I thought my early labor contractions were awful, but they were nothing compared to active labor. I felt so much relief once I had my epidural,” says Emily J., a mom of two in Indianapolis.

Rupture of membranes

• Timeline: Hours leading up to or during labor (in some cases, it will break prematurely or without contractions, so delivery may be further out).
• What to look for: It may be very noticeable, like a big gushing sensation, it could be a trickle that just keeps on going, it could even feel like peeing—but if you squeeze your pelvic muscles and can’t control the leaking, it’s probably not urine.
• Why it happens: Inside your uterus, baby has been growing in an amniotic sac, made up of a pair of membranes that keeps it protected from infections. When your water breaks, it’s the result of a chain reaction involving enzymes in the membranes. Typically, this happens during labor leading up to delivery—in fact, only around 15 percent of women experience their water breaking before labor begins. The majority experience it during labor or delivery, and sometimes it’s their provider who breaks it for them with a procedure called an amniotomy.

Intense pelvic and rectal pressure

• Timeline: During labor, as you get closer to delivery.
• What to look for: You’ll start to feel pressure in your pelvis and your rectum. According to Colleen Moreno, DNP, CNM, a nurse-midwife and director of midwifery services at Stanford Children’s Health in the San Francisco Bay Area, it may feel “similar to needing to have a bowel movement.”
• Why it happens: Baby is continuing to descend, which applies pressure in your pelvis and rectum. This is a sign that delivery is getting very close.

What to do during active labor

Once you’re in active labor, Dr. Thompson suggests you “conserve your energy, take breaks to move around or change position, go for walks if possible” and engage in other pain management and relaxation techniques. There are also medication options to help manage labor pain, including an epidural, among others.

How long does active labor last?

As nice as it would be to know exactly when active labor is over, this is another situation where timing varies. “There’s no universally accepted definition of what constitutes a normal duration of labor,” explains Dr. Thompson, adding, “Labor times vary greatly among women and typically are shorter subsequent to a previous vaginal delivery.”

That said, Fields notes she typically tells her patients the average duration of active labor is four to eight hours. Of course, it can be much shorter or longer depending on the person.

When to call your 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, reach out proactively. “I always like to emphasize to patients that it isn’t always dependent on having the textbook definitions of when to call or go to the hospital … it’s always acceptable to [contact] a provider,” says Fields.

Additionally, if this isn’t your first baby, Lamppa says you’ll want to keep in mind that things might move faster this time around, so you may want to reach out sooner rather than later. Otherwise, experts say you’ll want to get in touch with your practitioner right away if you experience any 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
• You think your water has broken, whether or not contractions have started
• You’re bleeding (more than spotting)
• Baby’s movements slow down or feel different than usual
• A bad headache, changes in vision or sudden swelling in your face and hands

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

To Sum It Up

Your body will give you lots of physical cues in advance of baby’s debut. Still, validating these early and active signs of labor can be challenging—especially for first-time moms. 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’s coming—it’s just a matter of when.

How We Developed This Article

We know that anxiously awaiting labor can be stressful, and it can be draining to question every sensation or symptom you may be experiencing, wondering if this is when it’s finally starting (or just another false alarm). To help provide guidance on the true signs of labor, we spoke to a variety of experts, including ob-gyns and certified nurse-midwives. We also spoke to real-life moms to learn their thoughts and experiences with the days and hours leading up to delivery.

After editing, this article was vetted through fact-check and reviewed by our ob-gyn medical adviser. Learn more about how we ensure the accuracy of our content through our editorial and medical review process.

About the author: Ashley Ziegler is a two-time preemie mom who experienced numerous labor symptoms leading up to both of her deliveries. She’s also an experienced health, pregnancy and parenting writer with work appearing in publications including Scary Mommy, Romper, Pregnancy & Newborn, Everyday Health and more.

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.