As a woman approaches her due date, she begins to anticipate the arrival of her baby. However, there are some signs that she may experience that indicate that labor is on the horizon.

It is important for women to be aware of these signs so that they can prepare themselves and their loved ones for the arrival of their little one. Here are ten signs that labor is near:.

1. Lightening

Lightening is the sensation that occurs when the baby’s head drops lower into the pelvis, getting ready for birth.

This can happen a few weeks or days before labor begins, and women may notice that they can breathe more easily as their baby is no longer pressing on their diaphragm and lungs.

2. Increased Pressure

As the baby drops lower into the pelvis, women may feel an increased pressure on their bladder and their rectum. This can cause them to need to urinate frequently and may give them the sensation of needing to have a bowel movement.

3. Braxton Hicks Contractions

As early as the second trimester, women may experience Braxton Hicks contractions, which are mild contractions that prepare the uterus for labor. As labor nears, these contractions may become more intense and more frequent.

4. Bloody Show

During pregnancy, women produce a plug of mucus that seals the cervix and helps to prevent infection. As the cervix prepares for labor, this plug may be expelled, resulting in a bloody show.

This is a sign that the body is getting ready for labor, and women should contact their healthcare provider if they experience a bloody show.

5. Back Pain

As the baby moves lower into the pelvis, women may experience increased pressure on their back. This can cause back pain that is similar to menstrual cramps. The pain may be constant or may come and go.

6. Nesting Instinct

As labor nears, many women experience a nesting instinct, which is a sudden urge to clean and organize their home. This is a natural part of the preparation for the arrival of the baby.

7. Diarrhea

During labor, the body releases hormones that help to speed up contractions and prepare the body for birth. These hormones can also cause diarrhea, which is a sign that labor is near.

Women should stay hydrated and call their healthcare provider if they are experiencing diarrhea.

8. Increased Vaginal Discharge

As the body prepares for labor, women may notice an increase in vaginal discharge. This discharge may be thicker and may have a pink or brown tinge to it.

9. Water Breaking

When a woman’s water breaks, it means that the amniotic sac has ruptured and the fluid that surrounds the baby is leaking out.

This is a sign that labor is imminent, and women should contact their healthcare provider immediately if their water breaks.

10. Strong and Regular Contractions

The most obvious sign that labor is near is strong and regular contractions. These contractions may start out mild and irregular and increase in intensity and frequency as labor progresses.