As your due date gets closer, your body starts sending out strong signals that labor is near. These signs don’t happen all at once and they don’t look the same for every person, but knowing what to watch for can help you feel more prepared. From subtle changes in your energy levels to more obvious shifts in your body, here’s exactly what happens when your body is gearing up to give birth.
You Start to Feel Lighter – Baby Drops Into Position
One of the clearest signs that labor is on its way is lightening, also called "the baby dropping." This means your baby has moved lower into your pelvis, getting into position for delivery. You might suddenly notice it’s easier to breathe and your heartburn isn’t as bad. That’s because there’s less pressure on your diaphragm. But you might also feel more pressure on your bladder, making you run to the bathroom more often. This usually happens a few weeks before labor in first-time pregnancies and a bit closer to labor in later ones.
Your Body Begins to Clean Itself Out
A sudden case of diarrhea can be your body’s natural way of clearing the path for delivery. It might feel like a stomach bug, but it’s actually caused by a rush of hormones loosening your muscles — including your bowels. This isn’t the most glamorous sign, but it’s a common one. These same hormones help soften the cervix and get your uterus ready to contract, so they’re doing important work.
Cramps and Back Pain Get More Intense
You might have been dealing with back pain for months now, but when labor’s near, cramping and lower back aches tend to get stronger and feel different. These cramps can feel a lot like period pain, and they usually settle low in your belly or back. It’s your body’s way of practicing for the real thing. These are sometimes called prodromal labor pains or false labor, but they’re still a good sign that your body is making progress.
Your Cervix Starts to Open and Soften
Your doctor or midwife might mention that your cervix is “dilating” or “effacing” during a check-up. That means it’s getting ready for delivery by opening and thinning out. Dilation is measured in centimeters, from 0 to 10, while effacement is measured in percentages. Even before you feel a single contraction, your cervix could be slowly getting ready behind the scenes. This change usually happens over several days or even weeks.
You Lose Your Mucus Plug
The mucus plug is a thick piece of mucus that blocks your cervix to protect your baby from infection. As your cervix begins to open, that plug loosens and falls out. It might come out all at once or little by little, and it can look like a thick discharge or a jelly-like blob. It may be clear, yellowish, or even tinged with a bit of blood — that’s often called the bloody show. It’s a big sign that labor is coming, though it still could be days or even a week away.
You Feel a Surge of Energy – or Total Exhaustion
You might notice a sudden boost in energy, often called the nesting instinct. You’ll want to clean, organize, and get everything ready. It’s a real thing and can show up in full force days before labor begins. On the other hand, some people feel extremely tired and just want to rest all the time. Both are normal. It’s your body’s way of telling you it’s working overtime to prepare for birth.
Contractions Start to Get Real
One of the most obvious signs of true labor is when contractions become regular, stronger, and closer together. They won’t go away when you change positions or take a warm bath. Real labor contractions get more intense over time and last longer — usually 30 to 70 seconds each. You’ll feel them across your whole belly and lower back. That’s a major difference from Braxton Hicks contractions, which are usually irregular and don’t increase in strength.
You Might Notice a Change in Vaginal Discharge
In the final days, your vaginal discharge may change. It can become thicker, more mucusy, or streaked with pink or brown. This can be a sign that your cervix is continuing to change. While it’s usually normal, if you notice a watery leak or a constant trickle of fluid, your water may have broken. That means the amniotic sac around your baby has ruptured, and labor may start soon after. If it’s a big gush or even just a slow leak, call your healthcare provider.
Your Intuition Says It’s Time
Many women report having a gut feeling that labor is close. You may feel more emotional, more focused inward, or just have a sense that something is shifting. That instinct, combined with all these physical signs, is often right. Your body knows what it’s doing, even before your mind fully catches up.
Conclusion
Labor doesn’t start with a bang for everyone. For most, it’s a slow process with plenty of little signs along the way. From cramping and back pain to losing the mucus plug and feeling a burst of energy, your body has its own way of preparing for the big day. The best thing you can do is listen to what it’s telling you. When in doubt, trust your instincts and check in with your provider. The finish line is close — and your baby is almost here.
FAQs
How long after losing the mucus plug does labor start?
It varies. Labor could start in a few hours, a couple of days, or even a week later.
Are early labor cramps constant?
Not usually. They come and go, and may feel like strong period cramps that come in waves.
Can I go into labor without my water breaking?
Yes. Many people go into labor naturally, and the water doesn’t break until well into active labor — or sometimes, not at all until the doctor breaks it.
