How can you know for sure that you are in labor? Well, there are some interesting signs of labor, some you probably wouldn’t even think of. These are the signs and symptoms of labor to look out for as your due date approaches.
What Are The Early Signs Labor Approaching?
Every woman’s experience of labor is different and there are no definitive symptoms which will confirm early labor. With my son it was only after he was born that I could pinpoint exactly when my labor began. Nausea was the first sign that my labor was approaching but it is not the same for everyone.
There are many early signs and symptoms of labor and you won’t experience all of them. But if you have a good few of them together it is good sign that labor has started.
It is important to keep as calm as possible, monitor your symptoms, and call your hospital or midwife if you are unsure of anything.
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Now long before you begin to notice any signs and symptoms of labor you should have your hospital bag packed. Here is a quick run down of what you may want to include.
For You
- Birth plan and medical notes
- Phone and charger
- Snacks
- Birthing ball
- Hot water bottle
- Nightwear and toiletries
- Postpartum underwear and maxi pads
- Nursing bra and breast pads
- Nipple cream
For Baby
-
- Vests and Sleepsuits
- Baby blanket
- Muslin cloths
- Diapers (cloth or disposable)
- Outerwear for going home
- Wipes or cotton balls
- Car Seat
Signs And Symptoms Of Labor
The Nesting Instinct
In the days leading up to your baby’s arrival you may find that you have more energy. You may feel an overwhelming urge to clean and tidy your home.
This is the Nesting Instinct and is an expectant mother’s way of preparing for the arrival of baby. You may feel the need to set up everything in the nursery, organise all of your baby items, and wash and fold all of the baby clothes.
This is one of the common early labor signs and it is thought to be natures way of ensuring you are ready for your baby and occurs a lot in the animal kingdom.
Insomnia
In the days leading up to labor you may find it difficult to sleep. As your body knows that labor is approaching this is just it’s way of making sure you are on alert.
Irritability
Feeling irritable and out of sorts can happen in early labor. This can not be taken as a sure early sign of labor by itself as it can be a common symptom in pregnancy and may not mean you are labor. You may also experience feelings of overwhelm and sadness. Don’t be surprised if you suddenly burst into tears for no reason.
Your Contractions Begin
When you have a contraction your womb tightens and relaxes, this pushes your baby down and dialates your cervix. For many women (including me) this will feel like a really extreme period pain.
Do not get confused with false labor contractions, also known as Braxton Hicks contractions. Here’s how to tell the difference.
Your labor contractions will be mild at first and get more intense and closer together as your labor progresses.
You may just feel a cramping sensation when contractions start, this can also be felt in your back. The contractions will gradually become more frequent, more painful and will last longer.
Up until this point you will probably be advised to stay at home. Once your contractions are in a regular pattern, last at least one minute, and are 5 minutes apart call your hospital or midwife.
When you are told to head on in to the hospital, don’t forget your birth plan.
There are several ways you can deal with the pain of your early contractions. You can use a birthing ball to help you be more comfortable or you could try using a heat pack to help with the pain.
Water is also great for easing labor pains so having a nice long soak in the bath will help with your contractions and relax you.
When you are in early labor you should drink plenty of fluids and try to relax. You can walk around if this helps the pain or take a warm bath. This would be a good time to start any breathing exercises you practised during pregnancy.
Allow your birthing partner to help you as much as possible, to monitor your contractions and to help make the experience as smooth as possible.
Loose Joints
During your pregnancy hormones will have been gradually relaxing your ligaments in preparation for giving birth.
As labor approaches your joints will start to feel a lot less tight amd more relaxed as your pelvis begins to open up ready for baby.
Pressure On The Pelvis
As labor approaches the baby will drop into your pelvis to get ready for birth. When this happens your bump may seem noticeably lower.
This will put a lot more pressure on to your pelvis, give you a heavy feeling, and make physical activity more difficult.
Relief From Heartburn And Breathlessness
As I mentioned above the baby will have dropped into your pelvis which moves the baby away from your lungs and makes breathing a lot easier.
As the baby is now lower down the pressure will also be taken off your upper digestive system which should reduce the symptoms of heartburn.
Your Bladder Is More Active
Now that your baby has moved lower down you will feel more pressure in the pelvic region. Your baby will most likely be pressing on your bladder, causing frequent trips to the bathroom.
Your Nausea And Sickness Returns
This is one that I wasn’t prepared for, in fact I wasn’t even aware that nausea is a sign of labor approaching. If you have been lucky then morning sickness should be a distant memory by now, but it is common for nausea and vomiting to return as labor begins.
This is actually the first early sign of labor that I experienced. I vomited with no explanation approximately 3 hours before my waters broke.
You Have Diarrhoea
Its not really known why but it is common to have diarrhoea once your contractions begin. There is a lot going on in there at the onset of labor and many women experience an upset stomach as an early sign that they are going into labor.
More From New Mom life
Tips To Get You Through A Natural Labor
What To Expect In The Third Trimester
Lower Back Pain
In the weeks leading up to the birth of your baby you may experience pain in the lower back and pelvis as your muscles stretch and loosen in preparation.
Once labor has begun it is common to experience early contractions as cramping pains in the lower back. You may also have a persistent dull ache in your back that does not go away between contractions.
Blood Stained Discharge
While you are pregnant you have a mucus plug in the cervix, this will come away before you give birth. You will pass some pink mucus, which may come away in several pieces. It will look like a bloodstained vaginal discharge. This can also be called a bloody show.
Passing this small amount of blood is perfectly normal and is a sign that your cervix is about to open.
If you find that you are losing more blood than this, phone your hospital or midwife.
Your Waters Break
This is not one of the more common early signs and symptoms of labor, but your waters can break in early labor.
When your water breaks the amniotic sac tears in preparation for birth and the amniotic fluid will leak out of your vagina. This can happen in a sudden gush of water or the fluid can trickle out gradually.
If your waters do trickle it can be easy to confuse with urine. To know if it is your water breaking check the color. Amniotic fluid is clear and you will not be able to control the flow.
If you think your waters have broken, contact your hospital or midwife.
Related Labor And Delivery Posts
It’s important to know the early signs and symptoms of labor so you can be ready for your baby’s arrival.
