D-Day is Near: Signs of Impending Labor

As your due date approaches, your body begins to prepare for the incredible process of childbirth. Recognizing the signs of impending labor can help you prepare both physically and emotionally for the arrival of your baby. While every woman’s labor journey is unique, there are common indicators that labor is imminent.

1. Lightening (Baby Dropping)

• What It Is: The baby descends into the pelvis, making breathing easier but increasing pelvic pressure.

• When It Happens: This can occur a few weeks to hours before labor begins.

• What You May Notice: You may feel a noticeable change in your belly’s position and experience more frequent trips to the bathroom.

2. Loss of the Mucus Plug or Bloody Show

• What It Is: The mucus plug that seals the cervix during pregnancy is released, often mixed with blood.

• When It Happens: A few days to a few hours before labor.

• What It Means: This is a sign that the cervix is softening and preparing for delivery.

3. Contractions (Braxton Hicks vs. True Labor)

• What It Is: Uterine contractions that become stronger, longer, and more regular.

• When It Happens: True labor contractions intensify and don’t go away with rest, unlike Braxton Hicks, which are irregular and subside.

• How to Identify: True contractions typically occur every 5-10 minutes and progressively get closer together.

4. Water Breaking

• What It Is: The rupture of the amniotic sac, releasing amniotic fluid.

• When It Happens: For some women, this is the first sign of labor; for others, it occurs during active labor.

• What to Do: Contact your healthcare provider immediately if your water breaks, especially if the fluid is discolored or has an unusual odor.

5. Cervical Effacement and Dilation

• What It Is: The cervix softens (effacement) and opens (dilation) to prepare for delivery.

• When It Happens: These changes can begin weeks before labor and progress as labor starts.

• How It’s Monitored: Your healthcare provider will check for effacement and dilation during prenatal visits.

6. Back Pain and Pelvic Pressure

• What It Is: Increased pressure in the lower back and pelvis as the baby moves downward.

• When It Happens: Often days to hours before labor.

• What You May Feel: Persistent lower backache or sharp, shooting pain.

7. Nesting Instinct

• What It Is: A sudden burst of energy and an overwhelming desire to clean or organize.

• When It Happens: Days before labor.

• What to Remember: Conserve your energy, as labor can be physically demanding.

8. Digestive Changes

• What It Is: Hormonal changes may lead to diarrhea, nausea, or frequent bowel movements.

• When It Happens: A day or two before labor.

• Why It Happens: Your body is clearing out to make room for the baby’s descent.

9. Weight Loss or Stabilization

• What It Is: Slight weight loss or no weight gain due to hormonal shifts and decreased amniotic fluid.

• When It Happens: A week or two before labor.

10. Emotional and Physical Restlessness

• What It Is: A feeling of uneasiness or heightened emotions as your body prepares for delivery.

• When It Happens: Often in the final days leading up to labor.

Call your healthcare provider or head to the hospital if you experience:

• Contractions occurring every 5 minutes for an hour or more.

• Water breaking, especially if it’s green, yellow, or foul-smelling.

• Heavy bleeding or clotting.

• Decreased fetal movements.

• Severe, unrelenting pain.

1. Pack Your Hospital Bag

• Include essentials like identification, comfortable clothing, toiletries, baby clothes, and important documents.

2. Practice Relaxation Techniques

• Deep breathing, meditation, and prenatal yoga can help manage stress and pain.

3. Finalize Your Birth Plan

• Discuss your preferences for labor and delivery with your healthcare provider.

4. Rest and Stay Hydrated

• Proper hydration and adequate rest will help you maintain energy for labor.

5. Stay in Touch with Your Support System

• Ensure your partner, family, or doula is ready to assist when labor begins.

Labor is a unique journey for every woman, but understanding the signs of impending labor can help you feel prepared and in control as D-Day approaches. Pay attention to your body, communicate with your healthcare provider, and trust the natural process of childbirth. The arrival of your baby is near—get ready to embrace this life-changing moment!

• American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Understanding labor and delivery.

• Mayo Clinic. Signs and symptoms of labor.

• March of Dimes. What to expect in the final weeks of pregnancy.