Your body starts giving the early signs of labor when the delivery date approaches closer. For first-time mothers, these signs may occur a few weeks before the actual time. In subsequent deliveries though, the labor signs are usually late. You must watch each and every change that your body shows and the pregnancy symptoms that you experience.

Your body starts preparing itself for childbirth; you must also be mentally prepared for the labor. Recognizing the early signs of labor helps a lot in getting ready for the delivery.

Some Important Early Labor Signs

Here are some labor signs that you must never ignore-

Engagement stage: As the delivery due date comes closer, your baby head will start dropping in the pelvic area. This is due to the softening of the uterus. This stage is called the engagement or dropping stage. You start breathing easily and the heartburn lessens. This may happen two to four weeks before your baby is born.

Pelvic pressure: This is an obvious early sign of labor when, due to the baby drop in pelvic region, you start experiencing discomfort and pain in the pelvis. The baby puts extra pressure on your bowel making you experience frequent bowel movements and you also want to pass urine more. During this time you will also notice some swelling in hands and feet as well.

Braxton Hicks Contractions: Dr. Braxton Hicks identified these contractions, which are different from actual labor contractions but are a sure-shot symptom of approaching labor. In this, the lower part of your uterus is stretched which helps the baby head settle down in the pelvic. These contractions may intensify as you approach the delivery time. This indication is often mistaken for the actual labor contractions.

Discharge: As the uterus softens, you will notice a white or a pinkish vaginal discharge. If the discharge is frothy or yellowish, you must tell your caregiver about it.

Shivering: You may experience shivering or trembling for no reason at all. This feeling is due to the stress hormones or the change in progesterone levels of your body.

Nesting Instinct: Another expression of labor is more to do with the emotional factor. It is known as nesting instinct. During this, you start emptying and tidying drawers and cupboards. This is the feeling of maternal instinct. Do not overdo it as you need proper rest.

Discussed above were some signs of the onset of labor, which may occur a few weeks before the actual labor begins. These early signs of labor may not be same in all women, but if experienced, they send a clear signal that labor is on its way. Apart from these early symptoms, proper labor begins when you expel the mucus plug or when your water breaks or when the actual labor contractions start. Go to your hospital or birthing center as soon as you experience these pregnancy indications.