Becoming a parent is a beautiful journey, but the last stretch leading to labor can feel overwhelming, especially for first-time moms. As you approach the final weeks of pregnancy, it's important to recognize the signs that labor is on its way. Let’s walk through the top 9 signs of labor to give you peace of mind and help you feel more prepared.

1. Lightening: Baby Drops

Around two to four weeks before labor begins, your baby may "drop" into a lower position in your pelvis. This process, known as lightening, makes breathing easier as your baby moves away from your lungs, but you may feel increased pressure on your bladder.

2. Increased Urge to Nest

Suddenly feel the need to clean, organize, or prepare everything around the house? This nesting instinct is your body's natural way of preparing for the baby's arrival. Though not a direct sign of labor, many moms experience this energy surge in the days or weeks leading up to delivery.

3. Regular Contractions

True labor contractions are rhythmic and intensify over time. Unlike Braxton Hicks contractions, which are irregular and often go away, real contractions become stronger and closer together. If you experience regular tightening in your abdomen that doesn't subside with movement or hydration, it may be time to call your healthcare provider.

4. Loss of Mucus Plug

The mucus plug is a protective barrier in your cervix that prevents bacteria from reaching your baby. As your cervix begins to dilate and prepare for labor, this plug is expelled. It may appear as a thick, clear, or blood-tinged discharge, often referred to as "bloody show." While losing the mucus plug signals that labor is approaching, it could still be days or even weeks away.

5. Water Breaking

For about 10-15% of women, labor starts when the amniotic sac ruptures, releasing the fluid. This "water breaking" can be a sudden gush or a slow trickle. If your water breaks, call your healthcare provider to determine the next steps, as delivery is likely to occur within 24 hours.

6. Cervical Dilation and Effacement

During your prenatal visits, your healthcare provider will check for cervical dilation (the opening of the cervix) and effacement (the thinning of the cervix). Both are signs that your body is preparing for labor, even if you're not feeling any other symptoms yet. Active labor typically begins when your cervix dilates to 4 centimeters or more.

7. Lower Back Pain

Some women experience persistent lower back pain, often accompanied by cramping. This discomfort, which can feel like menstrual cramps or muscle tension, may signal that labor is on the horizon, especially if it radiates toward your front or thighs.

8. Diarrhea or Nausea

As your body prepares for labor, your muscles—including those in your intestines—may begin to loosen. Some women experience bouts of diarrhea or nausea shortly before labor begins. Though uncomfortable, this is a natural way your body clears the digestive tract in preparation for birth.

9. Feeling of Pressure or Heaviness

As labor approaches, many women feel an increased sense of pressure in their pelvic area, especially when walking. This sensation occurs because your baby is descending into the birth canal, and it may signal that active labor is not far off.

When to Call Your Doctor or Midwife

It's important to stay in touch with your healthcare provider, especially if:

• Your water breaks, but you haven't started having contractions.
• You experience heavy vaginal bleeding.
• Contractions are five minutes apart and last for about a minute each over the course of an hour.
• You feel reduced fetal movement or have other concerns.

Labor can start in many ways, but recognizing these signs will help you stay calm and informed as you approach the big day. Every birth story is unique, and even if your labor doesn't follow a textbook path, you’re well-equipped to handle what’s coming. Stay in touch with your healthcare team, trust your body, and look forward to meeting your little one soon!