Could I Be in Early Labor? 5 Signs It's the Real Deal

If you've never been in labor before (and sometimes even if you have!) it may be difficult to tell whether you're really about to have a baby, or your pregnant body is just being weird. Only 10% or less of labors start out with your water dramatically breaking like on TV, so most of us will have a slightly different experience when our baby decides it's time to join us land mammals.

Here are 5 possible signs that you are in early labor that AREN'T your water breaking.

1. Mild Contractions

During early labor, your contractions may vary in length and intensity. You might have a few light ones here and there, and then suddenly have a strong one. They might be 7-10 minutes apart – or even longer. How can you tell if they mean business? Try taking a warm bath and drinking two glasses of water. Dehydration can cause contractions, so rest and hydrate. If the contractions continue to get longer and stronger and closer together, that's a pretty good indicator that you're going to be having a baby soon!

2. Emotional Changes

Many moms report that they “just know”, or that they feel “weird” or “different” at the onset of labor. It's very common when you begin labor to suddenly have some swirling emotions. Not just because you have hormones kicking into gear, but also because it's suddenly all too real – a baby is about to come out of me and change my entire life forever. That's a big flippin' deal. And it is normal for you to feel overwhelmed, or scared, or teary, if that is what happens.

3. Loose Stools

It's pretty common for your body to “clean itself out” before or during early labor. You might have some nausea or stomach cramps, and have a watery bowel movement. Prostaglandins can also contribute to this as they ramp up their cervix-softening powers.

4. Bloody Show

In early labor and the days leading up to it, you may notice some different or more frequent vaginal discharge. The thick substance protecting your cervical opening, which you may hear referred to as the “mucus plug”, may loosen as your cervix softens and dilates, and come out of your vagina. You might notice some “strings” or “chunks” when you wipe, or in the toilet, or on your underwear. It might also be tinged with blood. While this doesn't necessarily mean labor, it does mean your cervix is starting to go through some of the required changes.

5. Backache or Cramps

Aches or cramps which settle in your back or move around from back to front are pretty common in early labor. You may find that they strengthen and transition into contractions. They can be uncomfortable, so try relaxing in different positions, using your prenatal yoga poses, or settling down with a warm heating pad.

“OKAY SOOO...WHAT DOES THAT MEAN FOR ME? AM I IN LABOR OR WHAT?”

If you have bloody show or a backache does that mean you're about to push out a baby any second? No, and you shouldn't get stressed out and super excited and cancel all your plans. Any one of these signs could just mean that your body is starting to prepare. It could be days...or even weeks.

HOWEVER.

If you have a few or more of these signs all happening together, plus light contractions which continue on and strengthen even after you rest and hydrate, well now we're talking. You could be in early labor!

Remember, early labor isn't the time to call everyone you know and start doing stairs and rush to the hospital. Early labor is when you relax with your loved one, take a nap and a bath, read a book, eat a light dinner, and go to bed early. You want to avoid wearing yourself out before active labor begins and requires your heavy focus! Try to ignore contractions until you simply can't any longer.

You can ask your doctor when they would prefer for you to arrive at the hospital, especially if you have any special circumstances, but if you're having a low-risk pregnancy they'll probably tell you to go by the 4-1-1 rule: contractions four minutes apart, lasting one minute long, and continuing in this way for at least one hour.

As your doulas, we can support you in early labor if desired, and help you decide when to go in by not just timing contractions, but also watching your movements and coping rituals, listening to the sound of your voice, and other indicators. However, the choice is always yours to head to the hospital when you feel that you would be more comfortable there!

BTW...WHAT IF MY WATER ACTUALLY DOES BREAK LIKE ON TV??

I mean...you could be one of the 10%! What will it feel like and what should you do if your labor starts with a dramatic gush of fluids? Read our popular post, “I Think My Water Broke!” to find out!