The Most Common Signs Labor is Imminent

Bringing a new life into the world is a journey filled with anticipation, planning, and—let’s be honest—a bit of anxiety as the due date approaches. Whether you're a surrogate or an intended parent working with a surrogate, recognizing the signs that labor is near is crucial for preparation and peace of mind.

Labor rarely begins out of nowhere. The body gives signals that the big moment is close—sometimes days or even weeks before active labor starts.

In this article, we’ll walk you through the most common signs labor is imminent, clear up some misconceptions, and talk about how medical professionals evaluate labor readiness.

We'll also explain what it means when your baby is "engaged" in the pelvis. Let's get right to it.

Common Signs of Imminent Labor

1. Lightening (Baby Drops)

This is one of the first physical signs. Lightening refers to the baby moving lower into the pelvis. This can happen a few weeks before labor in first-time pregnancies or just hours before labor in subsequent pregnancies. The belly might look lower, and breathing can feel easier—but walking might feel more awkward due to increased pelvic pressure.

2. Increased Vaginal Discharge or Loss of the Mucus Plug

The mucus plug seals the cervix during pregnancy. As the cervix begins to soften and thin, you might notice a thick, sticky, or jelly-like discharge—sometimes tinged with blood (the so-called “bloody show”). This is a signal that your cervix is preparing for labor.

3. More Frequent and Intense Braxton Hicks Contractions

Braxton Hicks are practice contractions, often irregular and painless. However, as labor nears, they might become more regular, more intense, and less easy to ignore. The key difference is that real labor contractions don’t go away with rest or hydration.

4. Cervical Dilation and Effacement

Effacement means the cervix is thinning out, and dilation means it’s opening. This can begin days or even weeks before active labor. Only a doctor or midwife can measure this during a pelvic exam.

5. Nesting Instinct

A sudden burst of energy and an urge to clean or organize is surprisingly common. While it's not a medical indicator, the nesting instinct is often reported by women in the final days before labor.

6. Diarrhea or Nausea

Hormonal changes before labor can affect the digestive system. If you're having loose stools, cramps, or mild nausea without a clear cause, labor might be closer than you think.

7. Back Pain and Pelvic Pressure

Persistent lower back pain, especially in the lumbar region, is a common sign. Combined with pressure in the pelvis or hips, it often signals that the baby is settling in for the journey out.

8. Water Breaking (Rupture of Membranes)

This is the dramatic one, but it doesn't always happen the way it’s portrayed in movies. The water may gush or leak slowly. Once it happens, labor usually starts within hours, but not always. Call your provider if your water breaks—no matter what.

Can My Doctor Tell if I’m Going Into Labor Soon?

Yes and no. Doctors can estimate how close labor might be by examining the cervix and asking about symptoms, but it’s not an exact science. Here’s what they typically check:

• Cervical Dilation and Effacement: During a manual exam, your provider can feel whether your cervix is opening or thinning.
• Baby’s Station: This refers to the baby’s position in the pelvis.
• Contraction Patterns: Regular, painful contractions that increase in intensity and frequency are a solid sign labor is starting.

However, it's important to know that you could be 3 cm dilated and not go into labor for a week—or be barely dilated and go into labor tonight. It’s unpredictable.

If there's concern or signs of complications, your doctor might also use tests like:

• Fetal fibronectin (fFN): A swab test that can help predict the likelihood of preterm labor.
• Ultrasound: To check cervical length and amniotic fluid levels.

Midway through pregnancy and especially near the due date, your provider may start checking these during regular prenatal appointments.

For more general guidance on prenatal care and signs of labor, you can visit https://www.womenshealth.gov

What Station is the Baby Engaged?

“Engagement” is a term used when the baby settles into the pelvis in preparation for birth. It’s measured in “stations” that describe how far down the baby's head has descended into the birth canal.

The stations range from -5 to +5:

• -5: The baby is still high and has not engaged.
• 0: The baby’s head is at the level of the ischial spines (middle of the pelvis)—this is considered "engaged."
• +5: The baby is crowning—literally seconds away from birth.

When a baby is engaged, it doesn’t guarantee that labor is starting immediately, but it’s a good sign that the body is gearing up. Engagement usually happens earlier in first pregnancies and later in those who’ve given birth before.

To read more about how the healthcare system monitors fetal development and positioning, check out https://www.cdc.gov

When to Go to the Hospital

You don’t have to rush to the hospital at the first sign of a contraction. But you should go or call your provider when:

• Contractions are regular, painful, and about 5 minutes apart for at least an hour (the 5-1-1 rule)
• Your water breaks
• You have vaginal bleeding heavier than spotting
• You feel the baby is moving less
• You have a gut feeling that something’s wrong

Hospitals and birthing centers follow structured protocols for labor and delivery. You can learn more about national health guidelines at https://www.nih.gov

Conclusion

Recognizing when labor is imminent isn't always straightforward. There are clear physical signs, hormonal shifts, and emotional cues that the body gives—but not all of them mean labor will start right away. Whether you’re a surrogate preparing for delivery or an intended parent counting down the days, knowing what to look for helps you stay informed, calm, and ready.

Keep in touch with your healthcare team, trust your instincts, and remember—your body (or your surrogate's) is built for this. When labor does arrive, you'll be ready for the next incredible chapter.

For overall reproductive health resources and government-supported information, check out https://www.hhs.gov