Pregnancy is exciting, but it can also be a rollercoaster ride of emotions and physical changes. When it comes to labor, most women are on the lookout for signs that their baby is on the way.

While many pregnant women experience Braxton Hicks contractions and other discomforts in the weeks leading up to delivery, there are a few surefire signs that can indicate that labor is imminent. Here are 6+1 signs to watch out for:.

1. Dilated Cervix

The cervix is the lower part of the uterus that opens into the vagina. As your body prepares for labor, the cervix will start to soften, thin out (effacement), and open up (dilate).

During a vaginal exam, your healthcare provider can check whether your cervix is dilated. While dilation alone doesn’t necessarily mean that labor is imminent, it is a sign that your body is getting ready for the birth.

2. Contractions

Contractions are perhaps the most well-known sign of labor. A contraction is a tightening and releasing of the muscles of the uterus. Contractions help to push the baby down the birth canal and out of the body.

Early contractions can be mild and irregular, but as labor progresses, they become stronger, longer, and more frequent. Contractions are usually felt in the lower back and abdomen and are often accompanied by a feeling of pressure or pain. Timing contractions can help to determine whether labor is starting.

Contractions that are regular, increasingly stronger, and closer together are a sign that labor is progressing.

3. Bloody Show

The mucous plug that seals the cervix during pregnancy can come loose and be expelled as the cervix starts to dilate. As the plug comes out, it can be tinged with blood, which is called a bloody show.

This is a normal sign that labor is beginning, but it can happen days or even weeks before active labor starts.

4. Water Breaking

When the amniotic sac that surrounds the baby ruptures, this is called the water breaking. This can happen before or during labor and often feels like a sudden gush or trickle of fluid from the vagina.

If your water breaks, it’s important to contact your healthcare provider right away, as there is a risk of infection if the baby doesn’t come soon.

5. Nesting Instinct

The nesting instinct is something that many pregnant women experience in the days leading up to labor. This is a strong urge to clean, organize, and prepare the home for the baby’s arrival.

While not a physical sign of labor, the nesting instinct can be a signal that your body and mind are preparing for the birth.

6. Gut Feeling

Finally, many women say that they just “know” when they’re in labor. It’s hard to explain, but something in their gut tells them that the baby is on the way.

This may not be a reliable sign for everyone, but it’s worth listening to your intuition if you have a strong sense that something is happening.

+1. Back Pain

Back pain is a common complaint during pregnancy, but it can also be a sign of labor. As the baby moves down the birth canal, it puts pressure on the lower back, which can cause discomfort.

If you experience back pain that seems to be getting stronger and more frequent, especially if it’s accompanied by other signs such as contractions or a bloody show, it’s worth contacting your healthcare provider to check whether labor is starting.

Conclusion

While every woman’s experience of labor is different, these 6+1 signs can give you an idea of what to watch out for. Remember that not all signs will be present in every labor, and that each woman’s journey to motherhood is unique.

The most important thing is to stay in touch with your healthcare provider and trust your body’s signals.