Early Signs of Labor: What to Expect and When to Call Your Doctor

Pregnancy is a journey full of excitement, anticipation, and sometimes a little nervousness. As your due date approaches, you might start noticing subtle changes in your body — hints that your baby will soon make their grand entrance. These are the early signs of labor, and understanding them can help you feel more prepared and confident as the big day draws near.

"Every little twinge, cramp, or flutter is your body’s way of gently saying: ‘Get ready — something amazing is about to happen!’"

What Are Early Signs of Labor?

Early labor signs are subtle changes that indicate your body is preparing for childbirth. Unlike active labor, where contractions steadily increase in intensity and frequency, these initial signs are more like gentle nudges — your body’s warm-up before the main event. Recognizing them can help you feel in control, know when to rest, and decide when it’s time to call your doctor or head to the hospital.

Some common early indicators include:

• Lightening: The baby drops lower into the pelvis, often giving relief from pressure on the lungs but increasing pelvic pressure.
• Bloody show: A small amount of pink or brownish mucus from the cervix, indicating it’s beginning to soften and dilate.
• Increased Braxton Hicks contractions: Irregular “practice” contractions that may become more noticeable in the final weeks of pregnancy.
• Backache and pelvic pressure: A dull ache in the lower back or pelvis as your body adjusts for labor.
• Energy bursts: Sometimes called “nesting,” where you feel a sudden urge to organize or prepare for baby.

Why It’s Important to Know Early Signs

Knowing early labor signs is not just about preparation — it’s about peace of mind. Being able to tell whether you’re a few days away from labor, or if your body is just practicing, can reduce anxiety and help you rest before the intense hours ahead. It also ensures that you don’t leave it too late to contact your healthcare provider if needed.

Every pregnancy is unique, so your early signs may look different from someone else’s. Some women notice only a few subtle changes, while others experience multiple signs simultaneously. Paying attention to your body, keeping a small journal, and communicating with your doctor are key strategies for staying confident and ready.

How Do You Tell Labor Is a Few Days Away?

Sometimes, your body gives subtle hints that labor is just around the corner — often within a few days. You might notice:

• Increased pelvic pressure: Your baby may drop lower, making walking slightly different.
• More frequent Braxton Hicks contractions: These may feel stronger, irregular, and occasionally uncomfortable.
• Bloody show: A small discharge of pink or brown mucus, signaling cervical changes.
• Changes in energy levels: Some women feel bursts of energy (“nesting”), while others feel more tired than usual.

These signs indicate that your body is getting ready for labor, even if it doesn’t start immediately. It’s a gentle countdown rather than a precise clock.

What Are the Signs That You Are Nearing Labor?

As labor approaches, signs become more pronounced and consistent. Common indicators include:

• Regular, stronger contractions: Unlike practice contractions, these may start to form a predictable rhythm.
• Back pain and lower abdominal pressure: Often described as a dull ache or heaviness that spreads across the lower back and pelvis.
• Loose joints and increased pelvic discomfort: Hormonal changes make ligaments more flexible, which may feel like stretching or soreness.
• Diarrhea or gastrointestinal changes: Some women experience loose stools or increased urgency as the body prepares for labor.

Recognizing these signs helps you distinguish between pre-labor and active labor, so you can rest when needed and plan appropriately for the birth.

Can You Sense Before You Go Into Labor?

Many moms report an intuitive “feeling” that labor is coming soon — a mix of excitement, anticipation, and physical cues. Some describe:

• A sudden sense of readiness or impatience to meet their baby.
• Heightened awareness of their body’s movements and sensations.
• Noticeable changes in discharge, pelvic pressure, or contractions.

This premonition isn’t just psychological — your body often sends subtle signals that cervical softening and uterine activity are beginning.

What Does the Very Beginning of Labor Feel Like?

The earliest phase of labor, often called latent labor, is usually mild and can last hours to days. Common sensations include:

• Irregular contractions: Mild, cramp-like tightening that may be uncomfortable but not overwhelming.
• Lower back ache: A constant or intermittent dull pain that radiates across the lower back.
• Pelvic pressure: Feeling your baby pressing downward, sometimes making it harder to walk or sit comfortably.
• Menstrual-like cramps: Some women experience sensations similar to heavy period cramps.

During this early stage, contractions may come and go. Many women can rest, eat, or continue daily activities, but the body is steadily preparing for active labor.

Signs That Labor Is 24 to 48 Hours Away

In the day or two before labor, your body may give stronger, more noticeable signs:

• Stronger, regular contractions: They may feel like tightening waves that come at predictable intervals.
• Increased pelvic pressure: The baby moves lower, making walking or sitting more uncomfortable.
• Bloody show: A noticeable pink or brown discharge indicating cervical changes.
• Loss of mucus plug: Some women notice a stringy or jelly-like substance, signaling the cervix is preparing for labor.

Early Signs of Labor at 34 Weeks

Before full term, some early labor-like signs may appear but usually do not indicate true labor:

• Mild Braxton Hicks contractions, irregular and short.
• Pelvic pressure or back discomfort.
• Increased vaginal discharge.

These are often your body’s way of practicing, especially if it’s your first pregnancy.

Early Signs of Labor at 35 Weeks

As your body continues preparing, you may notice:

• Occasional cramps resembling period pain.
• Lightening for some mothers, where the baby drops lower.
• More noticeable pelvic discomfort with movement.

Early Signs of Labor at 36 Weeks

Your body may start signaling readiness for birth more clearly:

• Regular but still mild contractions.
• Backache or groin pressure.
• Frequent urination due to baby’s position.

Early Signs of Labor at 37 Weeks

At term, your body’s preparatory signs become more pronounced:

• Consistent tightening of the uterus (practice contractions).
• Softening of the cervix (may not be noticeable but confirmed by your provider).
• Increased pelvic pressure and possible vaginal discharge changes.

Early Signs of Labor at 38 Weeks

These signs may become harder to ignore:

• More frequent and noticeable contractions.
• Heightened pelvic discomfort or backache.
• Possible nesting instincts or sudden bursts of energy.

Early Signs of Labor at 39 Weeks

Your body is essentially ready for delivery:

• Contractions may feel stronger but may still be irregular.
• Bloody show may appear.
• Increased pelvic pressure as baby drops further into the pelvis.

Silent Labor Signs

Some women experience “silent labor,” where early labor signs are very subtle or barely noticeable. Key things to watch for include:

• Mild, irregular contractions.
• Subtle pelvic pressure or backache.
• Minor changes in discharge or cervical softness (confirmed by provider).

Even if signs are minimal, your body may still be progressing toward active labor. Awareness and tracking subtle changes are essential.

Summary of Early Signs by Week

From 34 to 39 weeks, early signs of labor gradually become stronger, more frequent, and more noticeable. By 37–39 weeks, these cues are often unmistakable, helping you know when it’s time to rest, prepare, and call your doctor if needed.

We’d love to hear from you 💬

Have you noticed early labor signs? Share your experience in the comments below. Your story could help other moms recognize what’s coming and feel more confident!