Early signs of labour: As the due date approaches, many women experience anxiety and begin to wonder if it’s time to pop out the baby. There are questions regarding how labour will feel, how long it will last, and if the pain is the real deal or a false alarm.
Firstly, what is labour?
Labour is the final stage of pregnancy when the body prepares to give birth. It begins with uterine contractions and cervical dilation and culminates in childbirth. The process can last for hours and involve stages like early labour, active labour, and end with the delivery of the baby and placenta.
While each birth is different, your body often sends early signals that labour is on the way.
Also Read | What can cause a false positive pregnancy test?
Here are a few signs that the labour is near and it’s go-time
Lightening (Baby drop):
In the last few days of pregnancy, your baby may move lower into your pelvis, getting ready to exit. This can relieve the pressure on the diaphragm and lungs, making breathing easier. This usually occurs 2 to 4 weeks before delivery for first-time moms. For others, it can occur closer to delivery.
Frequent urination & loose bowel movements:
With your baby moving lower, expect more trips to the bathroom. Increased pressure on the bladder leads to a frequent need to pee, even if it feels like not much comes out. Some women may also experience looser stools or diarrhoea. All these are signs that labour may soon be approaching.
Cervix begins to dilate:
In the weeks leading up to labour, the cervix may begin to soften, thin (efface), and open (dilate) slightly, sometimes reaching 1–3 centimetres without noticeable contractions. Dilation, however, doesn’t mean that the labour will start immediately. Full dilation to 10 centimetres is required during active labour for the baby to pass through the birth canal.
Cramps:
Many women may experience lower back pain throughout their pregnancy. However, pre-labour back pain is worse and more uncomfortable. This is because your pelvis is loosening and joints are stretching as the body prepares for birth.
Braxton Hicks contractions:
Ahead of the delivery, your body can experience false labour pains. Often called as Braxton Hicks contractions, these are milder than real contractions and only last for a few seconds.
Losing the mucus plug:
The mucus plug is a thick, jelly-like barrier that seals the cervix during pregnancy to protect the uterus from bacteria. As the cervix begins to soften and dilate, the plug may loosen and pass out of the body. The colour of the mucus can be clear, pink, or may also, sometimes, include traces of blood – called a ‘bloody show’.
Increased vaginal discharge:
Increased vaginal discharge, especially when accompanied by other symptoms like losing the mucus plug or cramping, is a sign that your body is preparing for labour. As the cervix softens and begins to dilate, it can lead to a noticeable rise in clear, milky, or slightly pinkish discharge. However, if the discharge becomes watery, has a strong odour, or is green or yellow, it could indicate amniotic fluid leakage or an infection.
Nesting instinct on an all-time high:
Ahead of childbirth, many moms-to-be have an overwhelming desire to prepare the house for a baby. This desire can go a notch higher, right before your labour. Expectant mothers might like to clean and organise the baby’s space, pack hospital bags or purchase more stuff for the child. While it’s a great time to get things ready, don’t overexert yourself.
Weight gain:
In the days leading to delivery, many expecting women may lose a kilo or so in weight. The body drops excess water weight as the hormonal changes reduce fluid retention capacity. More bathroom breaks can also be a reason.
Water breaking:
Noticing a sudden trickle or gush of fluid from your vagina? It could mean the rupture of the amniotic sac, which holds the fluid that surrounds and protects your baby during pregnancy.
In most full-term pregnancies (after 37 weeks), about 90% of people go into labour naturally within 24 hours after their water breaks. However, if contractions don’t begin on their own, doctors may recommend inducing labour to reduce the risk of infection, as the protective barrier around the baby is no longer intact.
Also Read | IVF success rates by age: A realistic guide for couples
The last leg of the pregnancy is filled with mixed emotions. While it’s not possible to exactly predict when the labour will begin, knowing the symptoms can help you feel more confident and ready when the time comes.
Consult a medical expert immediately if you experience regular contractions, heavy bleeding or notice a decrease in your baby’s movements.
FAQs: Early Signs of Labour
What are the early signs that labour is near?
Some early signs include the baby dropping lower into the pelvis, more frequent urination, loose bowel movements, mild cramps, increased vaginal discharge, loss of the mucus plug, and Braxton Hicks contractions.
How do I know if I am in real labour or false labour?
Real labour contractions usually become regular, stronger, and closer together over time. They do not stop with rest or a change in position. False labour, or Braxton Hicks contractions, is often irregular, milder, and may ease on its own.
Can diarrhoea or loose stools be a sign of labour?
Yes, some women experience loose bowel movements before labour begins. Hormonal changes and the body’s natural preparation for childbirth can affect digestion.
Is back pain a sign that labour is close?
It can be. Lower back pain or cramp-like discomfort may become more noticeable as labour approaches, especially if it feels different from the usual aches of late pregnancy.
What are Braxton Hicks contractions?
Braxton Hicks contractions are often called false labour pains. They are usually mild, irregular, and short-lasting, and they do not steadily become stronger like real labour contractions do.