It is extremely common for pregnant women to anticipate the symptoms of early labor. However, how do you really know if you are going into labor or not? Well, there will often be several different changes that start to happen to a woman’s body before going into labor.
The Belly Often Drops Before Going into Labor
First, as the body begins to prepare for the birth of a baby, the baby will start to fall towards the birth canal, typically head down. Others may notice that the pregnant belly starts to drop lower. This is often a sign that the body is preparing to go into labor.
Seeing Mucus Discharge Often Indicates Early Labor Signs
During the early signs of labor, a woman may start to see a mucus discharge, which indicates that the cervix is starting to thin out as the body is preparing to go into labor. This discharge is called the mucus plug. This may happen slowly for several days, or it may happen suddenly, right before going into labor.
Signs of Dilating Before Going into Labor
It is common for women to feel sharp pains up inside their cervix, as this can indicate early signs of labor. These sharp pains are often due to the fact that the cervix is starting to open up and dilate. These pains can happen slowly over time, or suddenly as the body goes into labor.
Braxton Hicks Contractions
It is very common for pregnant women to feel Braxton Hicks contractions in their last trimester. However, during the early stages of labor, women will begin to feel more intense contractions, which may be somewhat painful. These early contractions are often accompanied by sharp pains and possibly lower back pain as well.
Consistent Contractions may Indicate Early Signs of Labor
Once the contractions become consistent, perhaps every five minutes, this usually indicates that the woman is in fact in active labor. In this case, it’s best to prepare to go into the hospital.
Rupture of Membranes Indicates Going into Active Labor
A sudden gush of leaking fluid, or a slow trickle of fluid often indicates that the woman’s membranes have ruptured. Many use the term “my water broke.” In this case, it’s best to visit the hospital right away, as the symptoms of labor may progress rapidly.
Nesting Before Going into Labor
Aside from physical changes, some women experience a nesting instinct. This may cause a pregnant woman to want to clean and nest, in order to prepare for going into labor. This nesting instinct is provoked by hormones and it may indicate signs of early labor.
There are various symptoms of early labor and every woman’s body may react differently. Not all women experience the same symptoms; however, one or more of these signs often indicates early labor.
Sources: Pregnancyetc.com and FamilyResource.com
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