The Process of Labor

Your body was designed to carry, nourish and deliver your baby. As you prepare for labor, remember to trust it. Many factors can influence how your labor unfolds, including:

• Your overall health and nutrition
• The size and shape of your pelvis
• Your baby’s size and position
• Your preparation through classes, breathing and relaxation techniques
• The emotional support you receive
• Any medical interventions that may be needed

Every labor is different, but knowing what to expect can help you feel more confident and ready.

When Will Labor Begin?

No one can predict the exact moment labor will start — it’s unique to every mother and baby. Still, there are signs your body may give you in the days or weeks leading up to labor.

If you’re ever unsure about what you’re experiencing, call your physician or midwife. It’s common for first-time moms to go to the hospital more than once before active labor begins. If you’re sent home, try to view it as a chance to rest and gather strength. Activities like walking, showering, listening to music, or watching a movie can help you stay relaxed.

Signs Labor May Start Soon

You may notice one or several of these changes as your body gets ready.

Lightening (“baby drops”): Baby moves lower into your pelvis. This can happen a few weeks before labor in first-time mothers, or not until labor starts if you’ve given birth before.

• You may breathe easier, eat more comfortably, or feel less heartburn.
• At the same time, you may feel more backaches, hip discomfort, or need to use the bathroom more often.

Digestive changes:

• Frequent bowel movements within 48 hours of labor
• Diarrhea, nausea, or flu-like symptoms (without fever)
• Indigestion or vomiting a day or so before labor

Vaginal changes:

• Increased discharge in the last weeks of pregnancy
• A “bloody show” — pink or brown mucus as the cervix opens and the mucus plug is released

Contractions:

• More frequent Braxton-Hicks (“practice”) contractions
• These may feel strong and regular, but unlike true labor, they don’t steadily intensify

Other possible signs:

• A sudden burst of energy or “nesting instinct” within 24–48 hours of labor — try not to overdo it, as your body is storing up energy for birth
• A small drop in weight (1–3 pounds) due to fluid shifts
• A general sense that you “just feel different”
• The bag of waters breaking — sometimes a gush, other times just a trickle

How to Cope With Waiting

As your due date approaches — or even passes — it’s natural to feel anxious or disappointed if labor hasn’t started yet. Try to stay active, but also give yourself plenty of rest. Remember: your baby and your body are working together on their own perfect timeline.

Every labor story is unique, and yours will unfold in its own way. Trust your body, lean on your support system, and know that your care team is ready to guide you through each step. You and your baby are preparing for one of life’s most extraordinary moments.