Signs That Labour Is Near: What Changes to Look Out For

As your due date approaches, you may start wondering how you will know when labour is really starting. Antenatal care is crucial during pregnancy to ensure both you and your baby stay healthy, but it’s also important to understand the signs that labour is near. Whether this is your first pregnancy or not, recognising these signs will help you feel more prepared and confident as you approach the big day. In this article, we will explore the physical and emotional changes to look out for as you enter the final stages of pregnancy.

The Importance of Antenatal Care in Preparing for Labour

During antenatal appointments, your healthcare provider will monitor both your health and the development of your baby. Regular checkups, antenatal scans, and antenatal education play a significant role in ensuring a healthy pregnancy. These appointments give you the opportunity to ask questions, voice concerns, and receive guidance on what to expect as your due date draws closer.

While your healthcare team is there to guide you, it’s equally important for you to be aware of the natural changes happening in your body. Recognising the signs that labour is near allows you to feel more in control and be ready to make the best decisions for both you and your baby.

Physical Signs That Labour is Near

In the weeks and days leading up to labour, your body will begin to show various signs of readiness. Some of these changes are subtle, while others are more obvious. Here are some of the key signs that labour is near:

1. Lightening

Lightening refers to the process when your baby moves lower into your pelvis in preparation for birth. This usually happens a few weeks before labour begins, but it can also happen just a few hours before labour starts. Once your baby drops, you may feel less pressure on your diaphragm and be able to breathe more easily. However, this change may also result in increased pressure on your bladder, causing more frequent trips to the bathroom.

Many women notice a reduction in heartburn and breathing discomfort once the baby drops, which is one of the many benefits of prenatal care. Lightening also indicates that your cervix is beginning to soften and prepare for dilation, which is another sign that labour may be approaching.

2. Loss of the Mucous Plug

The mucous plug is a thick barrier of mucus that seals the cervix during pregnancy. As labour nears, the cervix begins to soften and dilate, which can cause the mucous plug to dislodge. This is often referred to as “bloody show” because it can be tinged with blood. While losing the mucous plug can indicate that labour is approaching, it doesn’t necessarily mean it will happen immediately. For some women, labour begins within hours, while for others, it can take days.

It’s important to note that if you lose the mucous plug well before your due date, it’s a good idea to contact your antenatal clinic to ensure everything is progressing normally. The healthcare team will likely ask you to attend an antenatal checkup to monitor the situation.

3. Contractions

Contractions are one of the most well-known signs of labour. They are caused by the uterus tightening and relaxing to help move the baby down the birth canal. There are two types of contractions to be aware of in the days leading up to labour:

Braxton Hicks Contractions: Often referred to as “practice contractions,” Braxton Hicks are irregular and usually painless. They help prepare your body for labour but don’t signify that it’s actually starting. These contractions can occur at any point in the third trimester.

Real Labour Contractions: Unlike Braxton Hicks, real labour contractions come at regular intervals and increase in intensity over time. They may start off feeling like menstrual cramps but gradually become stronger and more frequent. Antenatal yoga can help manage these contractions by teaching you breathing techniques that can ease the discomfort.

If your contractions become increasingly regular, and you start noticing a pattern, it may be a sign that labour is imminent. Your healthcare provider will guide you on when to head to the hospital or birthing centre.

4. Dilating and Effacing of the Cervix

As labour approaches, the cervix begins to soften (efface) and open (dilate) to prepare for the baby’s passage. At your antenatal appointments, your healthcare provider will check for these changes through a cervical exam. Effacement and dilation can happen gradually over the course of weeks, or it can occur rapidly as labour progresses.

While it’s difficult to predict exactly when the cervix will dilate enough to move into active labour, your healthcare provider will monitor your cervix during the final antenatal scans to keep track of any changes.

Emotional and Behavioural Changes in Preparation for Labour

Along with the physical changes that indicate labour is approaching, many women also experience emotional and behavioural shifts. These changes are part of the body’s natural preparation for the challenges of labour. It’s essential to remember that each pregnancy is different, and some of these signs may be more noticeable for some women than others.

1. Increased Nesting Instinct

In the final weeks of pregnancy, many women experience a strong urge to “nest.” This means you may feel the need to clean, organise, or prepare your home for the baby’s arrival. While this urge is not a direct sign of labour, it can indicate that your body is preparing for the big event.

A strong nesting instinct can also be a sign of the relaxation during pregnancy that many women experience as they mentally prepare for the upcoming birth. You may feel more focused on getting everything in order and wanting to ensure that your home is ready for your baby.

2. Changes in Energy Levels

In the days or weeks leading up to labour, you may notice a shift in your energy levels. Some women report feeling an initial burst of energy (known as “nesting”) just before labour, while others feel extremely tired or even a bit “off.” These energy shifts can be part of your body’s preparation for the demands of childbirth.

Your antenatal support team may provide helpful advice on how to manage these energy levels and prepare your body for labour. Proper nutrition, antenatal vitamins, and staying hydrated can all help you feel your best as you approach delivery.

3. A Stronger Focus on the Baby’s Movement

As labour nears, many women become more aware of their baby’s movements. Some babies may move more vigorously, while others may become more still. While this is normal, it’s essential to continue monitoring your baby’s movements as part of your antenatal care. Any significant decrease in movement should be reported to your healthcare provider.

When to Contact Your Antenatal Team

It’s important to know when to seek help or get in touch with your antenatal clinic. If you notice any of the following signs, it’s time to reach out to your healthcare provider:

Heavy bleeding: A small amount of blood is normal when the mucous plug is lost, but heavy bleeding could indicate a problem.

Severe pain: Intense pain or severe discomfort should be reported immediately.

Sudden change in baby’s movements: If you notice a significant decrease or absence of movement, contact your provider.

Preterm labour symptoms: If you experience signs of labour before 37 weeks, such as regular contractions or changes in the cervix, seek medical advice right away.

Preparing for Labour with Antenatal Support

As you get closer to your due date, it’s essential to continue with your antenatal appointments and seek the support you need to prepare for labour. Antenatal classes can be invaluable in helping you understand what to expect during labour and birth. These classes can also provide useful tips on breathing techniques, relaxation, and pain management, which are all useful when labour and birth approaches.

Incorporating prenatal yoga into your routine can help you manage stress, stay active, and prepare both mentally and physically for childbirth. It’s a great way to build strength and flexibility while reducing tension. Additionally, pregnancy massage and other relaxation techniques can help alleviate any discomfort in the final weeks of pregnancy, keeping you relaxed and ready for the upcoming delivery.

Conclusion: Be Prepared, But Stay Flexible

As you prepare for the arrival of your baby, be aware of the physical and emotional changes that indicate that labour is near. Antenatal care is essential throughout your pregnancy, providing you with the information and support you need to feel confident as you approach your due date. Keep an eye out for signs such as lightening, contractions, and cervical changes, and remember to reach out to your healthcare provider if you have any concerns. Preparing both mentally and physically for labour will help ensure that you feel confident and ready for the big day.