Every pregnancy experience is different. Some changes in pregnancy signal that labor is imminent, while others only bring about false expectations. Epigee.org explains that it is important to review potential signs of labor in order to recognize them when they occur in your pregnancy. Most reliable sources, like AmericanPregnancy.org, explain that many changes can occur days or even weeks before true labor begins. BabyCenter.com explains that pinpointing the actual start of "true" labor is difficult, but many changes in pregnancy can occur that signify early labor.
Lightening
Lightening refers to the dropping of the baby into the pelvis in preparation for delivery. According to Epigee.org, lightening can actual make breathing easier as the baby is no longer up against your rib cage and breast area. Because baby has dropped lower, there may be more pressure on the bladder and rectum. AmericanPregnancy.org suggests that a woman's stomach may even appear to bulge at a lower point than before.
Bloody Show
At the base of the cervix is a thick mucus plug that prevents bacteria and infection from entering the uterus during pregnancy. As the cervix opens (dilates) the plug loosens. A woman may notice an increase in mucus discharge or a rather substantial passage of thick mucus. The passing of the mucus plug may come with a slight bit of pink color or a minor amount of bleeding. When the mucus plug appears, it is called show or bloody show if there is blood included. The medical professional overseeing the pregnant woman should be notified of the passing of the mucus plug as the uterus is at risk of infection once this occurs.
Water Breaks
The breaking of the waters, or amniotic fluid sac, is a sign of labor that often creates anticipation anxiety. Women often wonder where they will be when it occurs. According to Epigee.org, only about 15 percent of pregnant women experience their waters breaking. AmericanPregnancy.org suggests that only one in 10 women have waters that break. A gush of water from the vagina defines the breaking of waters. This is a definite sign of labor and is reason to contact the overseeing medical professional and head to the delivery facility. Amniotic fluids are clear and odorless. Should any liquid begin trickling out before a gush of water has been experienced, contact the medical professional in charge of delivery.
Contractions
Braxton-Hicks contractions can be experienced throughout pregnancy after about 20 weeks. Some women experience them sooner, and some do not experience them at all. These contractions are sometimes called practice contractions, however, if they become regular and consistent, they may be a sign of true labor. Contractions that increase in length and strength and come closer together are a definite sign of labor. Each medical professional may have a set formula for deciding that it is time to head to the hospital. An example formula may be contractions that last 60 seconds, occur every six minutes, and have been consistent for at least an hour.
Nesting
Towards the end of pregnancy, a woman may be uncomfortable and tired. As labor approaches, she may experience a sudden increase in energy and restlessness. This is referred to as nesting. A woman may feel a strong urge to prepare the nest for the baby that is soon to be arriving. Nesting can occur at any point before labor begins, and is not a reliable indicator of the time remaining before the baby arrives.
