Will you recognize the early signs of labor? In collaboration with Lamaze Childbirth Educators, our Tip Sheet, Recognizing the Signs of Labor breaks down the clues for every stage: signs that your body is preparing for labor, signs that labor will start soon, signs that labor has started and those for when baby is on the way!
(Note: you may not experience all of these signs of labor, especially the early ones, but we have grouped them to help you figure out what each sign means to your unique pregnancy.)
Keep this info handy!
Download the Lamaze Tip Sheet: Recognizing The Signs of Labor.
Early signs of labor
Signs that your body is preparing for labor.
- Feeling that the baby has dropped lower.
- Belly tightening that comes and goes.
- Nesting urge.
- Increasing backache.
Signs that your labor may start within a few days.
- Increase in discharge (clear, pink, or slightly bloody)
- Soft bowel movements.
- Restlessness.
- Difficulty sleeping.
- Backache.
- Frequent contractions that come and go.
Baby on the way!
Signs that labor has probably started
- Contractions that are growing longer, stronger, and closer together.
- Contractions that don’t go away even if you move, change positions or take a shower.
- You may find it difficult to walk and talk during contractions.
- Cervical change – Progressive opening and thinning of the cervix (can be through a pelvic exam with your healthcare provider).
Signs of labor starting.
- Your water breaks – it may be a trickle or a gush.
- You can no longer walk and talk during contractions.
- Contractions are regular and 20 minutes or less apart.
When to contact your healthcare provider
- Every person’s situation is unique to them. Ask your care provider for specific instructions and a phone number to call.
- When timing contractions show that they are about four minutes apart, lasting for about a minute, and this has been going on for about an hour.
- If you have any concerns about yourself or baby.
- Decreased movement of the baby.
- Bright red bleeding like a period (light mucousy spotting is a normal sign of labor).
- Very bad headache.
PLEASE NOTE: If you have signs of early labor or preterm labor—you are less than 37 weeks pregnant and you have four or more contractions displaying a regular pattern over an hour or your water has broken—contact your health care provider immediately.
