Pre-Labour Signs

As you enter your third trimester, your body starts undergoing certain changes to prepare for labour. The very first thing that happens is the change in bodily hormones. Progesterone, which has been high so far, reduces and there is an increase in Estrogen, Oxytocin and Prostaglandin levels - all of which relax the ligaments in the pelvis and help the cervix start to thin out and eventually, start dilating.

There are certain signs you may notice towards the end of the third trimester that indicate that labour is approaching. These signs include:

1. Dropping/Lightening - Your baby will “drop” i.e., descend deeper into the abdomen and settle into the pelvis. This usually happens 2-4 weeks before labour actually begins. It will be a welcome relief since you will be able to breathe more easily and if you are still suffering from heartburn that will reduce or go away completely as well.

2. Frequent urination - Since your baby is closer to the bladder, you may feel the need to urinate more often.

3. Cramps and lower back pain - Cramping occurs when the uterine and pelvic ligaments start to stretch. This abdominal tightening will feel similar to pre-menstrual cramps and will be irregular, not at regular intervals. This can occur 1-2 weeks before labour starts. The lower back pain is usually a dull ache that comes and goes. This could be caused by the position of the baby, lower down into the pelvis.

4. Loosening of joints - The joints in your body start to relax in preparation for labour, thanks to the hormone Relaxin. This includes the relaxing of the pelvis as well, to make childbirth easier.

5. Diarrhoea - Think of this as “Nature’s enema”. The muscles of the rectum relax as well causing loose stools, cleaning out your intestine and making more space for the baby to eventually descend lower during labour and childbirth.

6. Vaginal discharge - You may find an increased amount of vaginal discharge that looks like egg whites or is tinged pinkish.

7. Bloody show - This is another term for losing your mucous plug, which is an accumulation of mucous that keeps your cervix sealed shut during your pregnancy. This may come out as a brownish or pinkish discharge as the cervix opens up to prepare for labour. If you see any bright red blood, call your healthcare provider immediately.

8. Sudden burst of energy - This is also called the “nesting instinct” because a lot of mothers use this energy boost to organize everything around the house and get everything ready for their baby. However, Nature is giving you this extra energy as a reserve to use during the actual labour process, so it may be best to rest and not overdo the “nesting”.

9. Dilation and thinning of the cervix - The cervix slowly starts the process of preparing itself for labour, becoming softer and thinner. A thin cervix dilates more easily so this is your body’s way of adapting to the upcoming process of childbirth.

10. Breaking of the water bag - We prefer to refer to this as “release of membranes”. This could just be a thin trickle of colorless and odourless amniotic fluid rather than a dramatic gush of fluid. This is usually a sign that labour is imminent - it could start within a few hours or by the next day. It is advisable to contact your healthcare provider if this happens.

Each woman and each body is different - you may notice all these symptoms of pre-labour, some of them or none. All of these scenarios are normal. There is also no fixed time period between these symptoms occurring and labour actually beginning - it could be hours, days or even weeks.

Take this time to practice your deep breathing and relaxation techniques, experiment with different birthing positions and to rest and enjoy this time - a time of upcoming hope and joy!