The end of pregnancy can be both an exciting and anxious time. As your due date approaches, you may be wondering what signs or symptoms you’ll experience leading up to labor. One of the most notable changes is when your water breaks, also known as rupture of membranes (ROM). This signals that birth is imminent. But what does it feel like right before this happens? Here’s an overview of some common feelings and sensations in the days, hours, and minutes leading up to your water breaking.
Changes in the Weeks Before Labor
In the weeks before labor begins, you may notice some subtle changes that indicate your body is preparing for delivery:
Increased Discharge
As you get closer to your due date, you may notice an increase in vaginal discharge. This discharge is often clear, pink, or slightly bloody. The increase is due to changing hormone levels and the cervix beginning to thin and dilate in preparation for labor. This discharge helps keep the vaginal canal clean and prevent infection. Wearing a pantyliner can help keep you comfortable. Contact your doctor if the discharge has a foul odor or changes colors.
Lightening
Lightening refers to your baby dropping lower into your pelvis in preparation for birth. This typically happens 2-4 weeks before labor begins. You may feel increased pelvic pressure and notice you can breathe easier as pressure is relieved from your diaphragm and lungs. However, the pressure on your bladder may increase, making you feel like you need to urinate more frequently.
Braxton Hicks Contractions
You may start having more frequent Braxton Hicks contractions leading up to real labor. These “practice” contractions help prepare the uterus for the strenuous work of labor. They are typically infrequent, irregular, and painless. Stay hydrated and try changing positions or activity levels to ease discomfort. Contact your doctor if contractions follow a regular pattern or become painful.
Nesting Instinct
Some women experience a burst of energy 1-2 weeks before labor begins. This nesting instinct motivates you to clean and organize your home in preparation for baby’s arrival. Listen to your body and avoid overexerting yourself. But go ahead and tackle those small projects that give you a sense of accomplishment!
Loose Joints and Clumsiness
Hormonal changes near the end of pregnancy can cause joint laxity and clumsiness. Your pelvis is loosening and shifting in preparation for delivery. This, combined with changes in your center of gravity, can make you feel unsteady on your feet. Take care when climbing stairs or walking on uneven surfaces. Falling could be dangerous this close to your due date.
12-24 Hours Before Labor
In the day or two before labor starts, you may notice some more distinct changes:
Diarrhea
Having loose stools or diarrhea is common right before labor begins. This may be caused by a shift in hormones or your body emptying the bowels to make room for the baby moving into the birth canal. Stay hydrated to replace lost fluids.
Nesting Instinct Increases
That urge to clean and organize may kick into high gear within a day of labor starting. This adrenaline boost gives you the energy to finish preparations. But be careful not to overexert yourself.
Losing the Mucus Plug
The mucus plug seals off the cervix during pregnancy. As the cervix starts dilating, this plug is discharged. It may look like a thick discharge or stringy mucus tinged with blood. Losing the plug signals your body is prepping for labor. But it could still be hours or days before contractions start.
Increase in Contractions
Contractions may become more frequent, intense, and regular in the day before labor. Time how far apart they are coming. If they are consistently 5 minutes or less apart, labor is likely starting.
Rupture of Membranes
For some women, the water breaks right at the onset of labor. But for others, it happens hours or even a day beforehand. This rupture of membranes signals your body is ready for delivery. Contact your doctor right away and prepare to go to the hospital.
Backache and Menstrual Cramps
Some women experience lower back pain and cramping reminiscent of menstrual cramps in the day before labor begins. These are signs the cervix is dilating and can indicate labor is imminent.
Nesting Surge
A final nesting urge may hit full force within 24 hours of labor. Take advantage of this energy boost to tie up loose ends. But don’t overexert yourself. Try to get some rest because you’ll need your strength for labor!
Feeling Emotional
You may feel weepy, anxious, excited, impatient or irritable right before labor begins due to shifting hormones. Reach out to loved ones for support. Remind yourself this is a normal reaction as you prepare to meet your baby soon!
Early Labor: 0-6 Hours Before Active Labor
Early labor is the very beginning of the birthing process. Here’s what to expect in the hours right before active labor:
Water Breaks
Your water may break at the start of labor, or even beforehand. Most women experience a painless gush or slow trickle of fluid from the vagina. Lie down if you feel any cord prolapse. Call your doctor to alert them labor has begun.
Increased Contractions
Contractions will become longer, stronger and closer together as labor progresses. Time them to see if they are coming regularly every 5-20 minutes.
Backache Intensifies
Lower back pain may persist and intensify. Counterpressure, massage, warm compresses or a hot bath can provide some relief. Have your partner apply pressure to your lower back during contractions.
Bloody Show
You may pass the remainder of the mucus plug mixed with blood. This “bloody show” means your cervix is dilating and effacing. Labor should start within a few days.
Rupture of Membranes
If your water hasn’t broken yet, the amniotic sac may rupture sometime during early labor. Flow to the hospital will be heavier than any discharge you’ve had.
Nausea and Vomiting
Hormone changes may trigger nausea or vomiting. This is a normal part of labor’s progress. Keep hydrated with ice chips or sips of water.
Shaking and Chills
You may feel chilled and shaky during early labor. This is caused by shifting hormone levels. Having your partner hold you skin-to-skin can help stabilize your temperature.
Feeling Emotional
You may experience intense emotions like fear, anxiety, sadness, relief or joy. Accept these feelings as normal. Use breathing techniques and have loved ones reassure you.
Active Labor: 0-3 Hours Before Birth
Active labor is when contractions become extremely strong, regular and frequent, dilation accelerates and birth is imminent:
Transition Stage
Transition is the point when the cervix is nearly fully dilated and effaced. Contractions feel longer, stronger and closer together. You may feel nauseous, shaky or panicky as hormones surge. Breathe through each contraction. The intense discomfort means birth is close.
Urge to Push
As the cervix finishes dilating, you’ll feel an uncontrollable urge to push. This instinctual reflex helps move the baby into the birth canal. Don’t fight it – go with your body’s urge.
Rectal Pressure
Severe pressure on the rectum and perineum can make you feel like you need to pass a bowel movement. This means the baby’s head is moving down and applying pressure. Listen to your body’s cues to push.
Contractions 2-3 Minutes Apart
Contractions happen every 2-3 minutes and last 60-90 seconds. There is little rest between them. Breathe and stay focused as you move toward the pushing stage.
Shaking, Chills, Nausea
You may again feel shaky, chilled and nauseated during late labor. Have your partner hold you to stabilize your body temperature. Vomiting can provide relief between contractions.
Exhaustion Between Contractions
The intense contractions leave you feeling wiped out in between. Conserve your energy as much as possible. Stay hydrated and keep your breath steady. The hardest work is almost done!
Bloody Show
If you haven’t lost your mucus plug already, you may pass the remainder tinged with blood as dilation finishes. This is a sign you’re fully effaced and almost ready to push.
Crowning Sensation
As the baby’s head pushes through the vaginal opening, you may feel a stinging, burning “ring of fire” sensation. Use short breaths and work with your body’s urges. Delivery is moments away!
Right Before Pushing
Here’s what you may experience in the final minutes and seconds before it’s time to push:
Uncontrollable Shaking
Shaking, shivering and trembling can happen as you hit complete dilation right before pushing. This is caused by fluctuating hormones like endorphins. Your partner can help steady you.
Panic
Some women experience a moment of panic, fear or doubt right before the final push. Remind yourself this means birth is imminent. Let your providers reassure you.
Narrow Focus
Your world narrows down to each contraction and an overwhelming urge to push. Let this primal focus guide you. Follow what your body is telling you.
Rectal Pressure
Immense pressure on the rectum continues as the presenting part descends. This sensation means delivery is just moments away.
Rest Between Contractions
Right before complete dilation, you may get 1-2 minutes of rest between contractions. Use this time to regain strength and composure for the pushing phase.
Complete Dilation
Your cervix is now 10 cm dilated and 100% effaced. Your providers will let you know when it’s time to start actively pushing with each contraction.
Involuntary Pushing
You may feel your body start pushing involuntarily as the urge becomes overwhelming. This instinct is trying to birth your baby. Go with it!
The final moments before complete dilation and pushing are an emotional rollercoaster. Stay focused on your breath, listen to your providers and work with your body’s natural urges. Before you know it, you’ll be holding your baby!
Conclusion
The journey to meeting your baby is different for every woman. But some common themes emerge in the hours, days and weeks before labor begins. Pay attention to the signs your body is giving you. Increase rest and nutrition to prepare your body for the hard work ahead. Reach out for support when needed. Trust in your own strength to ride each contraction as it comes. Your efforts will culminate in meeting your precious new arrival! Stay tuned to your body’s signals, embrace the excitement and know you’ve got this.