Many pregnant moms have wondered how labor will feel, how long it will last, and how to know whether it’s the real deal or a false alarm.
Every birth is different, so it’s hard to predict the answers to all those questions. But knowing the signs of labor to look out for will help provide clues that it’s almost time to meet your baby, including:
- Strong, frequent contractions
- Bloody show
- Belly and lower back pain
- Water breaking
Other, early signs labor is close (anywhere from a month to mere hours away from active labor) include:
- Baby drops
- Cervix begins to dilate
- Cramps and increased back pain
- Loose-feeling joints
- Diarrhea
- Weight gain stops
- Fatigue and the nesting instinct