You’re. So. Close. You’re going to give birth any moment now, really. However the last few weeks of pregnancy can be difficult since you may be in a lot of pain and eager to meet your unborn child. Thus it makes sense that many people worry about the early indications of labor. I just experienced diarrhea; is that a precursor to labor? Does this occur? Please?!
There are a few early indicators of labor to be on the lookout for, however they may vary from person to person. Remember that you do not have to determine whether you are in labor on your own, as I write in The Motherly Guide to Becoming Mom. You can get in touch with your provider at any moment, and they can offer advice you through this: when to leave for your birthing place, if applicable, and what to do to best take care of yourself and your baby in the meantime.”
We also cover signs that labor is approaching in The Motherly Birth Class, an online class that may be covered by your health insurance plan or HSA/FSA benefits.
1. Is nesting a precursor to labor?
Some people may have a significant energy surge in the days or hours before giving birth. You might find yourself busy getting things ready for your tiny chickadee, just like a mother bird making her nest ready for her nestlings. A lot of rest, water, and snacks should be planned in so you have energy for giving delivery. Also, please don’t use ladders to dust the ceiling fan’s blades.
2. Is the loss of your mucus plug a precursor to labor?
A tiny glob of mucus forms in your cervix during pregnancy to help shield the unborn child from bacteria. The mucus plug may disappear as the cervix softens in preparation for labor.
3. Is diarrhea an early sign of labor?
A hormone called prostaglandin is released in your body as it prepares to go into labor. Prostaglandin helps to make your cervix softer and looser (so it can dilate), but it also makes your bowels looser—in other words, you might have diarrhea, and/or more frequent trips to the bathroom. Make sure to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and juice.
4. Will your water break in early labor?
We’ve all seen the movies where a woman is minding her own business when suddenly her water breaks, and the entire world seemingly grinds to a halt. While it is a REALLY exciting moment, it’s usually not that dramatic. In fact, only about 10% experience their water breaking before labor starts—it usually breaks during labor.
