As your due date gets closer, every little change in your body can make you wonder ‘is this it?’

While most of us know the classic signs of labor like contractions and water breaking, there are also weird signs labor is near that can feel confusing, surprising, and sometimes even a little funny. From sudden bursts of energy to unexpected nausea, your body has its own way of preparing for birth.

We will walk you through the most common and unusual signs of labor, so you can feel more prepared, less anxious, and ready to recognize when your baby is truly on the way. 

We also talked to Juliana Parker, Founder/Registered Nurse at Nurse Core Triage, Inc, and Kathleen Dowd, CNM, NP, MSN, Founder and Women’s Health/Mental Health Clinician at Gentle Touch Wellness. Kathleen has over 30 years of experience in physiologic birth/reducing C/S at one of the main KP campuses in the Bay Area (SF).

Kathleen says, “It does not serve them (expecting moms) to go to the hospital before they need to be there. Their bodies will progress the best in their own environment, where they feel safe and supported, they are in a familiar space. Fear and anxiety can really disrupt the hormonal regulation of labor and birth.”

Read on to know more such nuggets of wisdom on perinatal health during labor.

Weird signs labor is near: What your body is telling you

15 weird signs labor is near

1. Lightening or baby dropping

This is when your baby moves lower into your pelvis in preparation for birth. You might feel like you can breathe more easily, but at the same time, there’s increased pressure on your bladder. This can happen weeks or even hours before labor begins.

2.  Increased pelvic pressure

As your baby settles deeper, you may feel heaviness or pressure in your lower abdomen and pelvis. You might feel uncomfortable while walking. It’s your body’s way of getting ready for delivery.

3. Loss of mucus plug

During pregnancy, a glob of mucus sits in the cervix to help prevent bacteria from moving from the vagina to the uterus. As your cervix softens in preparation for labor, that glob can fall out, and you might notice a thick, jelly-like discharge. 

This is often one of the more obvious signs labor is coming soon.

4. Bloody show

You might notice a pink or slightly bloody discharge as the cervix begins to open. It may happen gradually or all at once. 

Kathleen Dowd assures, “It is normal to have a little bit of spotting and bleeding as your cervix starts to shorten and dilate. Do not be afraid if you see a little bit of mucousy blood. That does not mean you have to go to the hospital/birth center. It means that things are falling into place as they should.”

5. Regular contractions

Braxton Hicks are often called ‘practice contractions’ and are usually felt after 16 weeks. They help to tone the uterus and prepare it (and you) for birth. The frequency of Braxton Hicks increases closer to labor as your body prepares itself. 

However, unlike Braxton Hicks, true labor contractions become consistent, stronger, and closer together. They don’t ease with rest or movement. This is one of the clearest signs that labor is starting.

6. Water breaking

Your water may break before or during labor. This happens when the amniotic sac ruptures, releasing fluid. It might feel like a gush or a slow trickle (you’ll probably think you leaked). However, at the end of pregnancy, it’s very normal to have a lot of vaginal discharge and moisture, so it can be hard to tell if your water broke or if it’s just normal discharge.

Try this: Put a pad in your underwear. If you experience continual fluid leaking, chances are good that it’s your water breaking. 

Once your water breaks, labor is usually not far off, and it’s time to contact your healthcare provider.

7. Diarrhea or loose stools

This is one of those “no one warned me” signs. 

This happens due to hormonal changes, especially prostaglandins, which work to soften and relax your cervix in labor, but can also relax your GI tract. In the days or hours leading up to labor (as well as during labor), you may find that you have loose stools or diarrhea.

Crib note: Hydration is really important in labor, so if you have diarrhea, replenish the lost fluids by frequently sipping water.

8. Nausea or vomiting

You might feel slightly nauseous right before labor begins. It can feel similar to early pregnancy symptoms, but it’s actually your body preparing for the intensity ahead.

9. Nesting instinct or sudden burst of energy

You might suddenly feel the urge to clean, organize, or “get everything ready right now.” This burst of energy is commonly reported just before labor and is completely normal.

If you find yourself cleaning the kitchen, organizing the pantry, or arranging the nursery for your baby’s arrival, it might be a good sign. 

Cradlewsie Note: Try not to overdo things, as you will need your energy during labor.

10. Persistent lower back pain

Back pain that feels deeper, more persistent, or rhythmic can be a sign of labor, especially if it doesn’t go away with rest. This pain is usually due to your baby settling into your pelvis, preparing for birth. If you experience dull and constant pain in the back towards the end of your pregnancy, it might be considered as one of the many weird signs that labor is near. 

11. Lightning crotch

Sharp, sudden pains in the pelvic area are called the lightning crotch and can take you by surprise. These quick, shooting sensations happen as your baby presses on nerves in the pelvis. While they can be uncomfortable, they’re usually harmless and tell you that your labor is near.

12. Trouble sleeping or sudden exhaustion

Your body can play tricks with you. Some parents feel a surge of insomnia right before labor, while others feel unusually tired. Your body is either conserving energy or reacting to hormonal shifts.

13. Emotional shifts or mood swings

You might feel unusually emotional, anxious, or even quiet and withdrawn. You might find yourself tearing up watching a cute baby video or even your favorite sitcom. Hormonal changes and anticipation can bring on strong feelings as your body prepares for birth.

14. Joint looseness

Thanks to hormones like relaxin, your joints may feel looser, especially in the hips and pelvis, allowing for greater flexibility as your body prepares for labor. It also helps make childbirth easier as your baby can move through the birth canal due to expanding pelvis. 

On the other hand, loose joints can leave you feeling slightly unbalanced or achy.

15. Vivid dreams or strong intuition

Many parents report intense dreams or a gut feeling that labor is near. While not medical signs, these emotional and mental cues often surface as your mind prepares for the big transition – to meet your baby.

Signs you are in active labor

You may notice:

• Strong, regular contractions that come every 5 minutes consistently for an hour
• Contractions lasting about 45 to 60 seconds
• Pain that makes it hard to talk or walk through contractions
• Increasing pressure in your pelvis or lower back
• Cervix dilating beyond 6 cm
• Some bleeding

Juliana Parker says, “A common guideline is the 5-1-1 rule for first-time moms (contractions every 5 minutes, lasting 1 minute, for 1 hour) and the 7-1-1 rule for second or subsequent births (since labor can move faster).”

At this stage, your body is fully preparing to meet your baby, and it is usually time to head to your hospital or birth center.

Difference between early labor and active labor

Early labor might have more or less the same symptoms but on a lesser intensity, while active labor is when things become more intense, consistent, and persistent.

Signs of labor that warrant a call to the doctor

While some signs can seem normal and some confusing, there are some that require immediate medical attention. Call your doctor if you notice:

• Your bag of water breaking, especially if fluid is green or brown
• Heavy bleeding like a period
• Decreased baby movement
• Severe or constant abdominal pain
• High fever or chills
• Contractions that are very intense, every 3 to 5 minutes

Conclusion

Labor does not always begin with a dramatic moment. Sometimes, it starts quietly, with subtle and even strange signals from your body.

Understanding these weird signs labor is near can help you feel more in control and less surprised as the big day approaches. Every pregnancy is different, and your experience will be uniquely yours.

Trust your instincts, stay connected with your care team, and have faith in your body as it knows what to do.

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