Preparing for Labor: Signs Your Baby is Almost Here

As your pregnancy comes to a close, you might be eagerly waiting for your baby’s arrival. The last few weeks before labor can be filled with anticipation, anxiety, and numerous questions regarding what to expect. Knowing the signs that labor is approaching can make you feel more confident and ready as you prepare for this life-changing experience. Although each pregnancy is different, there are some physical and emotional changes that can indicate your baby’s arrival is approaching.

Lightening (Baby Dropping)

One of the earliest and most noticeable signs that labor is approaching is lightning when the baby moves lower into the pelvis in preparation for birth. This process, sometimes called “baby dropping,” usually occurs at 36 weeks pregnant or a few weeks before labor for first-time mothers, but for those who have given birth before, it may not happen until labor is imminent.

Why Does Lightening Happen in Labor?

As your baby gets closer to being due, your baby finds the position of birth. It turns downward towards the birth canal, positioning the head nearer the cervix. The descent ensures preparation of the body for the birth by pressurizing the cervix that might stimulate opening up and thinning of the cervix (effacement) and dilation.

What Does Lightening Feel Like?

Not all pregnant women will feel when their baby drops, but for those who do, the following changes will be noticed:

• Easier Breathing: As the infant descends, the pressure on the diaphragm is less, so breathing becomes easier. Most women notice relief from shortness of breath that may have occurred frequently in the third trimester.
• Increased Pelvic Pressure: As the baby lower down into the pelvis, you can expect increased pressure in your lower abdomen, pelvis, and inner thighs. This will cause discomfort, particularly when walking or changing positions.
• Frequent Urination: The downward descent of the baby places extra pressure on the bladder, causing a rise in bathroom visits. Women often experience that they have to urinate all the time.
• Changes in Walking (“Waddle Walk”): Because of the baby’s lower position, some women develop a difference in their gait, also referred to as the “pregnancy waddle.” This is caused by the increased pelvic pressure and redistribution of balance.

Increased Braxton Hicks Contractions in Labor

Braxton Hicks contractions or “practice contractions” become stronger and more frequent as labor is impending. Contrary to true labor contractions, Braxton Hicks contractions are uneven and don’t normally grow more intense or last longer. That said, if your contractions start getting stronger and closer together, it might mean early labor has started.

Cervical Changes

Over the weeks leading up to labor, your cervix begins to soften, thin out (efface), and dilate in preparation for giving birth. Your doctor or midwife will check for cervical changes at prenatal visits. Dilation for some women will gradually occur over several weeks, whereas for others, changes will not be evident until active labor is underway.

Loss of the Mucus Plug

Mucus plug loss is among the most common signals your body is preparing for labor. The mucus plug is thick cervical mucus that forms early in pregnancy, sealing off the cervix to protect the baby from infection and bacteria. In preparation for labor, hormonal changes and cervix dilation dislodge the plug and eventually shed it from the body.

What Does the Mucus Plug Look Like?

The appearance of the mucus plug can vary from woman to woman, but it is typically:
Thick and Gel-Like: It may resemble a thick vaginal discharge, similar in texture to gelatin or egg whites.

• Clear, Yellowish, or Cloudy: While it is often clear or slightly yellow, some women notice a cloudy or white appearance.
• Streaked with Blood (“Bloody Show”): The mucus plug may be tinged with pink, red, or brown blood. This is known as the “bloody show” and occurs due to small blood vessels breaking as the cervix softens and begins to open.

Increased Pelvic Pressure and Lower Back Pain

As your baby gets further into your pelvis, you will feel more pressure and discomfort in your lower abdomen and pelvis. Some women also have persistent lower back pain or cramping that is exactly like menstrual cramps. This pain can suggest that your body is getting ready for labor.

Nesting Instinct and Burst of Energy

Many women experience a sudden burst of energy, known as the “nesting instinct,” in the days or weeks leading up to labor. It is natural to feel this need to clean, arrange, and get ready for the arrival of your baby, but one has to balance work and rest in preparation for storing energy for labor and delivery.

The Bottom Line

Knowing the symptoms that labor is about to begin will make you more comfortable and prepared when the time comes to give birth. While some of these symptoms manifest weeks earlier, others are signs that labor is ready to begin. Since each woman is unique, you will need to listen to your body and stay connected with your health provider. By knowing these symptoms, you can easily go through the third trimester of pregnancy and greet your baby with preparedness and enthusiasm.