Signs That You Are Approaching Labor

Sign

Feeling as if the baby has dropped lower

What It Is When It Happens

Lightening - This is known as the “baby dropping.” The baby has settled deep into your pelvis.

From a few weeks to a few hours before labor begins.

Increase in vaginal discharge (clear, pink or slightly bloody)

Show - A thick mucus plug has accumulated at the cervix during pregnancy. When the cervix begins to dilate, the plug is pushed into the vagina.

Several days, sometimes weeks, before labor begins or at the onset of labor.

As labor begins, the cervix thins (effaces) and opens (dilates). The uterus, which contains muscle, contracts at regular intervals. When it contracts, the abdomen becomes hard. Between the contractions, the uterus relaxes and becomes soft. Up to the start of labor and during early labor, the baby will continue to move.

In some women, their water may break prior to the onset of contractions. Your medical team may refer to this as rupture of membranes, meaning that the amniotic sac surrounding your baby breaks. This can feel differently in each pregnancy, some signs are:

• A sudden gush of fluid from your vagina.

• Slow, consistent leaking of fluid from your vagina.

• A feeling of wetness in your underwear.

You will need to be evaluated by a healthcare provider and should not wait for contractions to begin before heading to the hospital.