You will find yourself less short of breath as the baby is pushing less on your lungs; however, as the baby is moving downward, there will be increased pressure on your bladder. You may need to urinate more frequently. [1] X Research source There might also be a sense of pressure or heaviness in your pelvis. [2] X Research source It may be a few weeks before labor begins, but if you’ve experienced the lightening it is a sign that labor is coming. [3] X Research source
Capillaries burst as the cervix dilates in preparation for birth. This causes pink or brown vaginal discharge, known as the “bloody show. " Your bloody show can occur anywhere from a few hours before birth to a few weeks. [4] X Research source Throughout your pregnancy, a thick plug of mucus blocks your cervix to prevent infection. For some women, the plug falls out during the early stages of cervix dilation. [5] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source The plug will be pinkish in color and stringy in texture. Much like your “bloody show,” this can happen a few hours to a few weeks before you give birth. [6] X Research source
The amniotic sac is filled with a variety of fluids that help cushion the baby during pregnancy. The membranes in this sac rupture during the early stages of labor. This is what’s known, conventionally, as your water breaking. [7] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source Your water breaking can be a slow, trickling sensation, something like gradually leaking. It can also be a sudden release of fluids. [8] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source With the amniotic sac no longer intact, labor will begin soon. The risk of infection increases if labor is delayed after your water breaks so your doctor may want to induce if you do not begin labor naturally. [9] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source
Braxton Hicks contractions are typically short and not painful. They feel like a mild contracting feeling, similar to period cramps. [10] X Research source Braxton Hicks contractions are not accompanied by any bleeding or leaking of fluids. They do not last particularly long, and they do not come at regular intervals. Sometimes, moving around or shifting positions can cause the contractions to stop. [11] X Research source Braxton Hicks contractions usually show up later in pregnancy, around the 35th week. If you’re unsure whether you’re having Braxton Hicks contractions or true contractions, contact your OB/GYN. [12] X Research source
True contractions come in regular intervals. They generally begin 15 to 20 minutes apart and last about 60 to 90 seconds. As time goes on, they come closer together until you reach the active stage of labor where contractions are only two to three minutes apart. [13] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source True contractions will not stop, even if you switch positions or walk around. They will be quite painful, and the pain will often spread to your lower back and upper stomach. [14] X Research source Contractions will make interacting with others challenging. During a genuine contraction, you might not be able to talk or laugh at jokes. [15] X Research source
Take a warm shower or bath. The water can help ease some of the pain; however, if your water has broken, talk to your healthcare provider before taking a bath. [16] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source Try to distract yourself with daily activities. Go for a walk, go shopping, or watch a movie. [17] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source If it’s nighttime, try to sleep. You’ll need energy later on as labor progresses and you need to work to push the baby out. [18] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source
Some women have the urge to empty their bowels from the release of prostaglandin. If stools are loose and bowel movements are frequent, this may be a sign labor is beginning. [19] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source Nausea can be caused by hormonal changes that upset the stomach. You may have no appetite and feel sick in response to certain smells and foods. [20] X Research source
Heavy, bloody vaginal discharge Decreased fetal movement Very painful contractions for over an hour that come every five to 10 minutes
