When you get close to your due date you’ll likely start wondering how you’ll actually know that you’re in labor.

Every mama does, especially if it’s your first time. While every birth is different from one woman to the next, there are some clear signs of labor that you may start to notice.

These signs can tell you how close you actually are, or they can give you a close guess.

Let’s discuss the labor symptoms that will tell you if your babe is coming in the next few days.

Afraid of Childbirth?

Read This: How To Really Take The Fear Out Of Childbirth

Also, this is a must-read:

How to get through Postpartum pain without crying And 25 Pregnancy Side Effects No One Tells You About 

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15 Early Signs Of Labour Approaching

15 signs labor is coming any day now

 

The Baby Drops

 

If you notice that your belly has suddenly gotten lower and you feel a lot more pressure in your pelvis then your baby has dropped.

This a really good indicator that your babe will be arriving really soon.

This process is also known as lightening and It happens when the baby’s head literally drops lower into your pelvis, becoming engaged within your pubic bones.

 

Regular Contractions

 

This is the most obvious indicator that your babe is on her way but some contractions can be so mild you barely notice at first.

Pay close attention to your body and the way you feel.

If you notice your abdominal region tightening in a regularly timed way and feel some slight discomfort then heavy labor could be right around your corner.

These are different from Braxton Hixx Contractions that occur in a really random way.

 

 

 

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Diarrhea

 

This is a big one. If you suddenly get Diarrhea at the very end near your due date then your labor could be coming soon.

Even within 48 hours ( though every woman varies ). This occurs because of the release of hormones called prostaglandins.

Having the runs a day or two before labor starts is the body’s way of emptying the bowels to allow the uterus to contract efficiently.

This is also good if you’re worrying about pooping on the table. You still may go some but if you have diarrhea several days beforehand it shouldn’t be as much.

 

 

 

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Water Breaks

Yep. When Your water breaks it’s a sure-fire sign that your babe is due to arrive the next day. It can be a leak or a gush with blood.

This doesn’t happen for all women though. Many times the water doesn’t break until right before the baby is born or the doc may even need to break it.

My point is if you think you’re in progressive labor don’t wait around for your water to break, that could be a big mistake.

 

Lower back pain and cramping

 

Dull pain in the back that comes and goes can definitely be a sign of labor pain. It may be mild at first and get worse and consistent or barely noticeable.

 

Bloody Discharge

 

You might notice a thick, pinkish, or blood-streaked discharge right before your labor starts.

This is the mucus plug that sealed your cervix during pregnancy.

It often appears just a few days before labor begins, although it’s not always noticeable. But sometimes it is. I didn’t have my mucus plug show with my first two pregnancies.

But with my third, It came suddenly and there was a HUGE amount of blood. I mean like I’m having a heavy period type of flow.

It scared me to death but it turned out that everything was fine and my baby was born within the next 24 hours.

So don’t panic if it’s a ton of blood, it doesn’t always mean something’s wrong. But definitely get in touch with the doc and go to the hospital.

 

Cervix Dilates

 

If you go to the doc and they tell your cervix is well on its way, then the baby could be close. You can help your cervix dilate faster by doing the things below:

  1. Walking a lot
  2. stretch your hips and bounce gently on a  Birth Ball
  3. Do Gentle Exercises
  4. Relax with Warm Showers
  5. Stimulate Your Nipples
  6. Have an Orgasm ( or several 😉 )

 

 

 Effacement

 

Effacement is similar to your cervix dilating.

Effacement means that the cervix stretches and gets thinner.

Dilatation means that the cervix opens. Both help prepare your body for giving birth to your child.

The more effaced and dilated you are, the closer you are to meeting your babe.

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Nesting instinct

 

This urge to clean and organize is known as nesting.

Nesting during pregnancy is the overwhelming desire to get your home ready for your new baby.

The nesting instinct is strongest in the later weeks coming upon delivery.

It is an old wives’ tale that once nesting urges begin, labor could be coming soon. So get everything done that you can because he’s on his way!

 

Vaginal Discharge Changes Color And Consistency

 

This can happen even before your Mucus plug comes out. Discharge can get heavy and darker. It’s icky but it’s a good sign to watch for.

This is a sign that labor is approaching.

 

Joints Loosen

 

Your hips and pelvis may suddenly feel a lot looser right before you go into labor.

It’s a strange feeling but it’s caused by hormones that are suddenly released before your labor starts.

You may feel like your joints have progressively loosened through pregnancy but right before labor, it seems really obvious and you can feel the change.

 

Nausea

 

Many women feel nauseous about a day or so before labor actually begins. Again, this is due to heavy hormonal changes going through your body.

 

 

Skin Outbreak

 

Your skin can go ballistic right before you have your babe and once again it’s due to the tidal wave of hormones inside of you.

It will pass once your baby is born.

 

A Headache

 

Some women have terrible hormonal headaches right before they go into labor.

If this happens to you just take some Tylenol and take solace in knowing your baby is on her way.

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Dizziness

 

You may feel very dizzy in the last couple of days before your baby is born.

The main cause of dizziness in pregnancy is due to the rising hormones that cause your blood vessels to relax and widen.

This helps increase the blood flow to your baby, but it slows the return of the blood in the veins to you.

So watch out for this and stand up slowly so that you don’t fall. So these are the signs your baby will be arriving soon.

If you have several chances are you’ll be in labor and meeting your babe before you know it.

Exciting right? I wish you all the luck in the world during your special time! Enjoy!

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