Eight ‘true signs of labour’ according to the experts

Jody Coffey

As you get closer to your due date, every slight twinge or ache can lead you to believe your baby is about to make their grand entrance.

However, there a number of tell-tale signs to be aware of that indicate that labour is near.

Here are the eight signs of labour experts believe most likely mean your little one is ready to arrive, according to Parents.com.

Water breaking

While only around eight to ten per cent of soon-to-be parents will experience water breaking before contractions kick in, it’s believed that labour will likely begin within the next 24 hours after water breaks.

Experts at Parents say that this sign can happen differently for everyone, from a big gush of water to a gentle trickle, so there’s no need to worry if doesn’t happen the same way as we see it happening in movies, or if it doesn’t happen at all.

Cramping

This is one you won’t need to look out as these may feel like intense cramps or, what people often describe as, a worsening case of Braxton Hicks, which occur when the muscles of your womb tighten.

This sign is one of the more common signs of early labour, according to Meagan Moore, MD, an OB-GYN, at MemorialCare Orange Coast Medical Centre in Fountain Valley, California.

While some may experience painful uterine contractions, for others it’s a slight increase in pelvic pressure, but both may be a sign of labour.

Losing your mucus plug

As labour approaches, the cervix will soften and begin to dilate, and the mucus plug, which serves as a protector during pregnancy – guarding the opening of the cervix from bacteria and germs – will begin to come out and can slowly happen over the course of a couple of days.

The mucus plug may look whitish, clear, pink, and might be accompanied by blood. Losing the mucus plug, sometimes, means that labour is pretty much imminent, but more often than not, it means it will be around a week or two until the labour begins.

Lightning crotch

This is a lesser known sign of labour, although quite a common one, Amy Wetter, MD, OB-GYN at Northside Women’s Specialists, part of Pediatrix Medical Group, in Atlanta explains to Parents. Lightning crotch can occur when your baby moves down lower into your pelvis, it can result in a sharp, shooting pain deep in the pelvis.

Some expectant parents have referred to the pain as coming out of nowhere, like a bolt of lightning, therefore giving this labour sign its name.

Lower back pain

Lower back pain or pressure may also occur when labour is close to starting, says Dr. Moore.

“Very often the position of the baby will determine whether a patient will experience abdominal pain versus lower back pain,” she explains.

Nausea and diarrhoea

Symptoms similar to ones of an upset stomach of tummy bug may kick in shortly before giving birth. Anything from fatigue, diarrhoea, nausea, and a sudden urge to use the bathroom can be tell-tale signs a person is in early labour, according to Dr. Wetter.

This may happen because your baby is putting pressure right on your rectum. These symptoms can often start to be experienced around 24 to 48 hours before active labour starts.

Loose joints

During pregnancy, there is a hormone relaxin that can make ligaments loosen up. The closer it is to the time of labour, more of this relaxin starts to be released.

If joints are feeling relaxed, this may be an indicator of labour.

Nesting

While not a physical symptom, expectant parents may feel the urge to get their home ready for their new baby and settle down at home in preparation for their arrival.

Dr. Moore tells Parents studies have linked this behaviour to early labour, as nesting may be a result of humans evolving their means of survival and protection.