8 early signs of labour

As the big day approaches every twinge can leave you wondering ‘am I in labour?’ Here are a few signs to help you know when it’s the real thing.

By Lynne Roberts

Lightening

As you near the end of pregnancy your baby will get into position for birth, ‘dropping’ head down into the lower part of the uterus. It’s known as ‘lightening’ as there’s less pressure on the stomach and lungs, enabling you to eat and breathe more easily.

The flip side is your bladder takes the strain so you’ll need the loo more often, and you may experience some backache or difficulty in walking. First time around it can happen a couple of weeks ahead, but with subsequent babies it’s likely to be just before labour so make sure your hospital bag is packed and ready to go.

See also:
- Sleep tips for pregnancy
A ‘show’

In the weeks before labour you may notice increased vaginal discharge, a sign that the cervix is beginning to soften ready for labour. As it slowly starts to stretch, the plug of mucus which seals it begins to come away, commonly known as a ‘show.’

Some women don’t notice it at all, but for those who do it’s likely to be sticky or jelly-like in appearance and could be brown or blood-tinged. However, if there is more blood than you expected call your midwife immediately.

Labour could start quickly or could still be a week away, but either way, you’re getting close!

See also:
- Sleep tips for pregnancy
Nesting

Frantically scrubbing the cupboards at 11pm? Nesting can happen from as early as five months, but often kicks in with a new intensity when labour is near.

Many women report a need to stay close to home, accompanied by the overwhelming urge to ‘get things done.’

iVillager Charminbear says 'I had a serious urge to grout the new kitchen tiles when I was 36 weeks – my waters broke 2 days later.' However energetic you feel now try not to overdo it and rest up while you can - you’ll need all your strength later.

See also:
- Sleep tips for pregnancy
Backache / cramps

For some women the onset of labour is signalled by a persistent ache in the lower back, or abdominal cramps which feel similar to period pain. There are a few things you can do to help relieve pain in this early stage.

A normal dose of paracetamol is fine to take and a warm bath or shower can make things more manageable. Ask your partner to massage your lower back, practice breathing exercises to help you relax, use a microwaveable heat bag or try a TENS machine which uses electrical signals to distract you from pain.

See also:
- Sleep tips for pregnancy
Waters breaking

During pregnancy your baby floats happily in a sac of amniotic fluid which protects it from harm. Shortly before birth the sac ruptures, known as your ‘waters breaking.’

For some women it occurs during labour, but for others it can be a sign that things are about to get moving and could happen with a trickle or a gush. If it happens to you, make a note of when it happened and what it looks like and keep a towel handy.

Then call your midwife – most women will give birth within 24 hours but if you don’t go into labour naturally they may offer to induce you.

See also:
- Sleep tips for pregnancy
Diarrhoea

If you’re suffering from a dodgy tummy it could be your body is gearing up to give birth. iVillager Laura says 'I had diarrhoea the day before I had my dd – it’s just your body clearing itself out in preparation for labour.'

It’s perfectly normal, and probably caused by the presence of prostaglandin which stimulates the bowels to open more frequently. The good news is you’re less likely to embarrass yourself during labour, so stay hydrated, avoid fatty and high-fibre foods and stay close to home – your baby could be on its way soon.

See also:
- Sleep tips for pregnancy
Vomiting

Throwing up is one sign of labour you may not have expected but many women experience nausea or vomiting in the run up to birth.

'I started vomiting during contractions before I even got to hospital and continued to vomit after every strong one.' says iVillager Maddie.

It could be due to a combination of fear, pain and hormones, while some think it helps the cervix to relax and open. If you’re affected, drink plenty of water to stay hydrated, eat little and often, avoid fatty foods and try energy bars or glucose tablets to keep your strength up.

See also:
- Sleep tips for pregnancy
Contractions

Weeks before the birth you may experience Braxton Hicks or ‘practice’ contractions – a gentle tightening and relaxing of the uterus as your body begins to prepare for labour.

You’ll know when it’s the real thing – contractions will be more frequent, stronger and last longer, each one softening the cervix allowing it to open for delivery. You’ll probably be advised to stay at home until contractions are three to five minutes apart.

Time them by counting from the beginning of one to the start of the next, and distract yourself as much as you can until the midwife says it’s time to go.

See also:
- Sleep tips for pregnancy
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