Signs of Labor What to Expect and When to Call Your Doctor
Cervix Becomes Thinner
Before birth, the cervix—the lower part of the uterus—gets soft and begins to thin out. This process is called effacement. At first, the cervix is thick and long, but as labor approaches, it becomes shorter and softer. Effacement is usually described in percentages, such as 50% or 100%. A reading of 100% means the cervix is fully thinned out and ready for delivery.
Healthcare providers check effacement during exams to help determine how close labor may be. You might feel light cramping or mild, irregular contractions during this time. However, some people may not notice any symptoms at all. Thinning of the cervix is a sign that the body is preparing for labor, even if active labor hasn’t started yet.
Cervix Starts to Open
As the cervix thins, it also begins to open, a process called dilation. Dilation is measured in centimeters from 0 to 10. Zero means the cervix is closed; 10 centimeters means it is completely open. This allows the baby to pass through during birth.
In early labor, dilation tends to happen slowly, then speeds up as active labor begins, usually once the cervix is around 6 centimeters open. Healthcare teams check how much the cervix has dilated to see how far labor has progressed.
Quick Facts
Dilation Level | Stage |
---|---|
0-1 cm | Early changes |
4-6 cm | Early labor |
6-10 cm | Active labor |
- Dilation is a sign the body is preparing for birth.
- Checked during routine exams at the hospital or birthing center.
Noticing More Vaginal Fluid
Toward the end of pregnancy, you may notice an increase in vaginal discharge. This happens because a mucus plug that blocks the cervix during pregnancy comes loose. The discharge may look clear, pink, or a little bloody—often called “bloody show.”
An increase in vaginal fluid can happen days before labor or right at the beginning. Watch for very heavy bleeding, like a regular period, as that can signal a problem and needs medical attention.
What to Expect
- Increase in discharge.
- Color may be clear, slightly pink, or have a little blood.
- Heavy bleeding is not normal; call a health care provider.
Baby Sits Lower in the Belly
Sometime before labor, the baby’s head drops into the pelvis. This is called “lightening” or “engagement.” When this happens, your belly may look or feel lower. You might need to urinate more often or feel more pressure in the pelvis.
This can happen a few weeks, days, or hours before labor. For first-time mothers, it often occurs earlier, while for those who have had babies before, it may be much closer to labor.
Possible Signs of Baby Dropping
- Belly appears lower.
- Pelvic pressure increases.
- May breathe easier as the baby moves away from the lungs.
- Increased trips to the bathroom.
Membranes Break and Fluid Leaks
Before or during labor, the sac filled with amniotic fluid can break open. This is called “water breaking.” You might feel a slow trickle or a sudden gush of clear fluid from the vagina. Once your water breaks, contact your health care team or go to the hospital or birthing center. If you’re unsure whether the fluid is amniotic fluid, urine, or something else, get checked.
If labor doesn’t start soon after the water breaks, the risk of infection for both the mother and baby goes up. Healthcare providers may suggest starting labor if contractions do not begin naturally within a certain time.
Important to Remember
- Membrane rupture can be a slow leak or fast gush.
- Always contact your health care provider or go to the hospital.
- Labor may need to be started if it doesn’t begin soon after the water breaks.
Sign | What It Means |
---|---|
Trickle of fluid | Possible gradual leak of amniotic fluid. |
Gush of fluid | Membranes have fully broken. |
No contractions yet | Call your health care provider for guidance. |
Contractions Start and Get Stronger
Contractions are the tightening and relaxing of the uterus. Early in pregnancy, mild “practice” contractions called Braxton Hicks can happen. These are usually irregular, weak, and do not mean labor has started.
In real labor, contractions form a pattern—they get regular, come closer together, and grow stronger over time. Each contraction usually lasts 60 to 90 seconds. They keep going even if you change position or walk around.
How to Tell the Difference
- Labor Contractions: Get stronger, last longer, and come at regular intervals (usually 2–5 minutes apart).
- Braxton Hicks: Irregular, may stop with movement, or don’t get stronger.
- If contractions are strong enough that talking is difficult, labor is likely underway
Use this Chart for Comparison
Feature | Braxton Hicks | Labor Contractions |
---|---|---|
Regular pattern | No | Yes |
Gets stronger | No | Yes |
Changes with rest | Usually stops | Keeps going |
Interval changes | Not closer together | Closer together |
It’s Common to Have False Signs
It can be hard to tell true labor from false labor, especially for first-time parents. Sometimes you may feel contractions or other symptoms, go to your health care provider or the hospital, and find out active labor hasn’t begun yet. Never feel bad about going in to be checked. If labor symptoms appear before 37 weeks—such as bleeding or regular contractions—contact a health care provider right away.
What to Do
- Call your health care provider if unsure.
- Track symptoms and any changes.
- Better safe than sorry when it comes to possible labor signs.
Tips for Knowing When to Seek Help
- If contractions are regular and getting stronger.
- If the water breaks.
- If there is heavy vaginal bleeding.
- If unsure about any symptoms.