Signs of Labour Every Mom-to-be Should Know

The idea of labour pain baffles many moms-to-be, leaving them guessing what it will feel like and how long it will last. While every birth is different and has its own unique pace, knowing the physical signs of true labour can be of great help, as it lets you know when you are about to give birth. Labour is the process of uterine contractions and cervical dilation, ending eventually with the delivery of your little one.

The Quiet Approach of New Life

As you get closer to delivery, you may notice subtle physical changes. Early labour signs sometimes appear weeks before birth, or lead some expectant moms to labour quickly. One common sign is “lightening,” which means the baby drops lower into the mother’s pelvis, preparing for birth.

Moms-to-be may feel that they can breathe comfortably because the baby is moving away from the lungs. However, this shift can also lead to more frequent trips to rest room, due to additional pressure on the bladder.

Cervical Dilatation and Effacement

Your cervix also prepares for the big day by beginning to dilate (open) and thin out (effacement). You may feel cramping and increased back pain, stemming from muscles stretching for the birth.

The hormone relaxin causes this increased looseness, which naturally opens the pelvic floor (the group of muscles supporting pelvic organs). Sometimes, these hormonal changes lead to loose bowel movements or even slight weight loss toward the end of pregnancy, due to lower amniotic fluid levels (the fluid surrounding the baby in the womb).

Early Labour vs. Active Progress

You may be in early labour if your labour contractions become stronger, more regular, and occur at predictable intervals. As labour progresses, these contractions increase in frequency and intensity. Unlike Braxton Hicks contractions, true labour contractions do not decrease with movement or changes in position and remain consistently painful. Active labour is much more intense. Contractions come about every five minutes. Each one lasts nearly a full minute. Nausea is also common in this stage.

The Concern of Preterm Labour

Preterm labour is when delivery starts before week thirty-seven of pregnancy. It is important to watch out for regular contractions (tightening and relaxing of the uterus) or bright red vaginal bleeding. Call your doctor immediately to manage potential risks. Early medical care can sometimes stop the preterm labour, protecting the baby.

The Final Countdown to Birth

While early signs of labour indicate that the body is preparing for birth, certain symptoms more clearly signal the onset of true labour. Moms-to-be should always consult their healthcare provider for confirmation if they experience these signs.

Strong and Frequent Uterine Contractions

One of the clearest labour signs at 9 months of pregnancy is regular contractions, which intensify over several hours. They begin at the top of the uterus, and start as discomfort in the lower back before radiating to the front groin area. Expectant mothers should carefully track the timing of contractions, as true labour contractions continue even with changes in position. Walking or resting will not ease the pain. These waves indicate the body’s readiness for delivery.

The Arrival of the Bloody Show

During pregnancy, a mucus plug serves as a protective barrier in the inner uterus, safeguarding the baby. It shields the womb from any external infections; however, as the time of delivery approaches, the cervix softens and thins, leading to the eventual release of the plug. This release appears as a blob or a runny smear. Tiny vessels on the cervix may rupture during this shift, releasing a small amount of blood into the mucus.

The blood-mucus combination creates a pinkish tint known as the “bloody show.” This sign may not be noticeable to all women and can occur gradually over several days. The appearance of this discharge indicates that delivery is imminent, making way for the baby.

Intense Belly and Lower Back Pain

Back pain is common during pregnancy, but escalating pain may signal the start of labour. This often occurs when the baby faces the mother’s front, resulting in back labour. It is usually far more intense than typical pregnancy discomfort and reflects the baby’s position pressing against the mother’s spine..

Severe lower back pain may indicate that labour is nearing, even in the absence of abdominal cramps. The pressure can cause a steady, dull ache, reminding moms-to-be to listen closely to their bodies. Each sensation helps guide the baby into its final position, pushing it further down the birth canal.

When the Water Finally Breaks

Movies often portray water breaking as the first sign, but it usually occurs later. Amniotic fluid leakage often follows other symptoms, and it does not always happen in a sudden gush. For many, it begins as a slow, steady trickle and is sometimes mistaken for a light leak.

The rupture of membranes is a key stage of birth, as this fluid protects the baby during pregnancy. Once it breaks, the risk of infection can slowly increase, prompting expectant women to call their doctor immediately. It is simply one part of how the birth story will unfold, signalling the final stages of the journey.

Trusting Your Natural Instincts

Labour is a unique experience for every single woman, so it can be difficult to know exactly when it starts. Knowing these symptoms before labour starts will reduce your daily stress and help you identify the phase. Remember that every pregnancy is quite different; therefore, if you are ever uncertain, don’t hesitate to get in touch with your midwife, who can guide you with their expertise.

Trust your body and listen to the signals it sends, as these changes involve the hard work of bringing new life. Before long, you will hold your little one safely, embarking on this long journey with a beautiful first meeting. Focus on your breathing and stay as calm as possible. Remember, a mother’s strength is truly amazing.