Signs that labour is close

Just before your baby is due you’ll probably start to notice signs that your body is getting ready for labor. If you experience any of them it doesn’t mean you’ll be holding your baby by nightfall, but it is an indication that labor is imminent.

Engagement

In order for your baby’s journey through the birth canal to begin, he’ll move deeper into your pelvis. With first babies this tends to happen roughly two to three weeks before labor starts, but with subsequent pregnancies it often doesn’t happen until labor is underway.

A show

This is one of the more obvious signs that labor is on its way. The show is a plug of mucus that seals your cervix and protects infections from reaching your baby. If your cervix dilates wide enough, the mucus plug may become dislodged and will appear as a sticky, brown/pink substance in your panties. Even though your labor may still be hours, or even days away, you must inform your OB-GYN if you have a show because once the mucus plug is gone, your baby is vulnerable to infections.

Nesting instinct

This is when pregnant women feel an uncontrollable urge to clean their house and everything around them (females in the animal kingdom exhibit the same behavior just before their offspring arrive!). You may want to scrub everything in sight or throw out anything old; or you may just retreat into familiar company and the comfort of your own home. The nesting instinct can appear around the fifth month, but if you’re close to 40 weeks pregnant, it may indicate the onset of labor.

Braxton Hicks

These are practice contractions that occur sporadically throughout pregnancy but only become obvious in late pregnancy as they strengthen. They’re painless but can be a tad uncomfortable, starting with a tight feeling towards the top of your uterus and spreading downwards before relaxing. They can last from 15-20 seconds but some women experience them for much longer. If you find them uncomfortable, change positions or lie down when you’re having them. If you’re at term and they seem to be increasing in frequency and becoming more regular, call your OB-GYN – they may be the real thing.

Vaginal discharge

Some women notice increased vaginal discharge as their cervix softens. It can often look like egg white, but can also have a pinkish appearance.

Waters breaking

This is when the amniotic sac which contains your baby ruptures and the amniotic fluid leaks out. Contrary to all those movies, it’s usually a trickle and not a flood! Most women go into labor 12-24 hours after their waters break because the rupture causes the release of prostaglandins, which soften the cervix and stimulate contractions. Once your waters break, use a sanitary pad to protect your clothing and have showers rather than baths, as your baby is now vulnerable to infections. Call your OB-GYN to let her know – she may ask how much fluid leaked out and how it appeared (it should be clear but may be tinted yellowish with some bloodstaining initially) and will likely arrange to see you for a check-up.

The information in this feature is intended for educational purposes only. If you have any concerns about your health, the health of your child or the health of someone you know, please consult with a doctor or other healthcare professional.

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