While there are some physical changes associated with approaching labour, each woman's experience is unique. "Normal" can mean different things to different women. Normal labour signs and symptoms can appear anywhere from three weeks before the expected due date to two weeks afterwards, and there is no way to predict when a woman will go into labour. The 10 most common signs and symptoms that labour is approaching are described in this article.

1. The baby drops
When the baby "drops," it's referred to as "lightning" in medical terms. The head of the baby sinks further into the pelvis. This can happen up to two weeks before labour begins for some women, while it may not happen at all for others.

2. An increased urge to urinate
The baby's head falling into the pelvis can cause an increased desire to urinate. Because the baby's low position exerts even more strain on the urine bladder, many women approaching birth may experience frequent urges to urinate. Because there is less strain on the diaphragm from underneath when the baby drops, breathing may become easier.

3. The mucus plug passes
The passage of the mucus plug is a sign that labour is approaching. During pregnancy, the cervical aperture is generally kept closed by thick mucus generated by the cervical glands. Before birth, this mucous plug must be removed. The mucous plug is pushed out of the vaginal canal by pressure from the baby's head, sometimes as a blood-stained vaginal discharge (called a “blood show”). The mucus plug may not be discharged until after labour begins for some women, while others may observe mucus flow in the days leading up to labour.

The Pros and Cons of 7 Childbirth Delivery Methods

Consider the pros and cons of the following delivery options to help you determine which one is best for you:

1. Vaginal birth
2. Hypnosis
3. Birth of water
4. Caesarean (Caesarean)
5. Homebirth
6. Lamaze
7. Bradley Method

4. The cervix expands
Although this is identified by a healthcare professional during a pelvic examination, dilation of the cervix is a sign that labour is coming. This starts days, if not weeks before labour begins; "fully dilated" indicates the cervix has dilated to a breadth of 10 cm.

5. Thinning of the cervix
Thinning (effacement) of the cervix occurs in addition to dilatation. Because a thinner cervix dilates more easily, this happens in the weeks leading up to labour. During a pelvic exam, a healthcare provider can identify this symptom as well.

6. Back pain
As labour approaches, many women report back pain, particularly dull discomfort in the lower back that comes and goes. Back pain can occur in conjunction with or independently of other types of contractions. As the third trimester develops, women may notice loosening of the joints, particularly in the pelvic area, in preparation for delivery.

7. Contractions
As labour approaches, women's contractions become stronger and more frequent, and might be described as pounding, tightening, stabbing, or similar to menstrual cramps.

During the third trimester, irregular contractions, sometimes known as Braxton-Hicks contractions or "false labour," occur toward the conclusion of the pregnancy. Braxton-Hicks contractions are usually milder than genuine labour contractions and do not happen at regular intervals. When contractions are spaced fewer than ten minutes apart, it's usually the start of actual labour.

8. A burst of energy
In contrast to the usual tiredness of pregnancy, many women report experiencing a surge of energy and excitement in the weeks leading up to labour. This tendency is commonly referred to as "nesting," and it is typically accompanied by a sense of urgency to complete tasks or make plans for the baby.

9. Feeling like having a bowel movement (diarrhoea)
Pelvic pain and pressure are frequently described by women as a desire to urinate. In the days leading up to labour, some women report having diarrhoea or having loose bowel movements.

10. Your water breaks
The rupture of the amniotic membranes, often known as "water breaking," usually signals the start of labour. It is not usually a tremendous flood of fluid, as it is often depicted in movies, but rather a gradual dripping or trickle. Colourless and odourless amniotic fluid is ideal. Amniotic fluid does not have an odour, which makes it difficult to distinguish from urine. If you suspect you're leaking amniotic fluid, you should call your doctor right soon.

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