6 Signs Of Labor—And Expert-Backed Tips On How To Get It Moving Along

Defined by Webster’s dictionary as the physical activities (such as dilation of the cervix and contraction of the uterus) involved in giving birth, the process of labor marks the final stage of pregnancy. Each pregnant person’s labor experience will be different. But in general, labor progresses according to a familiar pattern that includes dilation of the cervix and ends with the birth of a baby.

Experts are not entirely sure on what triggers labor to begin. “Currently, we believe that the fetus is responsible for triggering natural labor,” says Brittany Robles, M.D., an OB-GYN at Wyckoff Heights Medical Center in Brooklyn, New York. “One of the very first signs of labor that we see is an increase in fetal cortisol levels as well as maternal cortisol levels, which indicates a state of stress. This is then followed by a cascade of events with an increase in prostaglandins (defined by Webster’s as cyclic fatty acids that perform hormone-like functions) that soften the cervix, and oxytocin, which stimulates contractions.”

In other words, there isn’t one particular thing you can do to get labor to start. There are plenty of things you can try—some legitimate, some not—that may help things along, but “unfortunately, there are no robust, proven or recommended ways of initiating labor outside of a medical environment such as an induction,” says Dr. Robles. That means the spicy food your best friend ate three hours before she went into labor likely won’t work for you if your body isn’t quite ready for your little one to arrive.

While the signs of labor may differ for every pregnant person, there are some common signals that the body is preparing to give birth.

Lower Back Pain

Lower back pain may be a sign of labor, says Dr. Robles, as this may signal the start of regular uterine contractions. “Depending on how your uterus sits in your pelvis, you might feel contraction pain in your lower back, but lower back pain alone is not a definitive sign of labor approaching,” she says.

Increased Pelvic Pressure

In the weeks leading up to labor, your baby should descend deeper into the pelvis, which can cause a ton of pressure in your vagina, says Liesel Teen, a registered nurse who has delivered over 500 babies and founder of Mommy Labor Nurse, an online childbirth education resource. “Additionally, your body is continuing to secrete increased amounts of the hormone relaxin,” she says. “This hormone helps loosen your ligaments, which will allow the baby to fit through the birth canal.”

Loss of Mucus Plug

The mucus plug—located in the cervical canal and made up of sticky mucus—serves to block the opening of the cervix before labor begins. As your cervix begins to dilate, you may start to lose bits and pieces of your mucus plug in the final weeks of pregnancy. In some cases, people lose the entire plug at one time, and it may even be tinged with blood. But for all the anticipation centered around losing your mucus plug, it doesn’t necessarily mean labor is imminent, says Dr. Robles.

“Losing the mucus plug might be a sign of labor approaching, but it is not a strong sign,” says Dr. Robles. “It usually indicates that the cervix is dilating, but some women may lose their mucus plug several days before going into labor.” If you’re 39 weeks pregnant with no signs of labor and you lose your mucus plug, it might be a sign that things are starting up, says Dr. Robles.

Increase in Vaginal Discharge

You may notice an increase in vaginal discharge that’s clear, pink or slightly blood-tinged. This might happen several days before labor begins or right at the start of labor, says Teen, who adds that many pregnant people report the discharge becoming thinner, and more watery. “That’s normal, but if you notice a constant trickle that doesn’t seem to stop no matter what you do, this could be a sign that your water has broken,” she says. “Be sure to contact your doctor right away if this happens.”

Diarrhea

Some pregnant people may experience this sign of labor, but there’s a perfectly normal explanation for it. “Possible explanations for the change in stool consistency include changes in hormones at the onset of labor that can change stool consistency, and the baby dropping low and compressing the colon,” says Dr. Robles. “However, diarrhea can also be a sign of an infection or illness, which is why it’s important to speak with your doctor if you have any concerns.”

Increase in Braxton Hicks Contractions

Occasionally, some pregnant people might experience Braxton Hicks contractions, which are non-painful, irregular uterine contractions that do not result in cervical dilation, explains Dr. Robles. “These contractions can begin as early as the second trimester and feel like a tightening or hardening of the abdomen.” Some pregnant people might mistake Braxton Hicks contractions for labor, but there are usually a few key differences, says Dr. Robles:

• Braxton Hicks contractions are irregular and do not have a pattern of increasing intensity like true labor contractions.
• Braxton Hicks contractions are generally not as painful as true labor contractions.
• Braxton Hicks contractions typically do not result in cervical change (dilation).

Whether you’re experiencing all of the symptoms above, or you’ve reached 40 weeks pregnant with no signs of labor, you’re probably wondering about the difference between “false labor” and real labor. False labor is the term used to describe symptoms and signs of labor that aren’t quite the real deal.

But, says Dr. Robles, real labor occurs only when there are painful contractions that increase in intensity at regular intervals. “The most definitive signs of labor are regular painful uterine contractions plus cervical dilation,” she says. So, if you’re experiencing painful contractions that ease up when you rest, you’re probably not in labor quite yet. However, if you’re unsure, it’s always best to contact your doctor.

If you’ve reached 39 weeks pregnant with no signs of labor, there are a few things you can safely try in order to get things moving. While not guaranteed to kickstart labor, these methods can help tone the uterus and get the baby into an optimal position for birth, says Teen, who also notes that it’s essential to avoid trying to start labor prior to 39 weeks, as your baby may not be ready yet before that time, and it’s always best to let nature take its course.

Be sure to check in with your doctor before trying any methods they haven’t specifically recommended for you.

Walking

Walking, says Dr. Robles, is a good idea during your entire pregnancy, and can be done at any point if you feel physically capable. In fact, many hospital wards will allow pregnant people to walk around the hospital in an effort to kickstart a regular pattern of contractions.

Sex

Sex is known to be a great way to naturally induce labor, says Teen. “Sex during pregnancy is safe for all trimesters (as long as your doctor hasn’t recommended pelvic rest) and can certainly be an effective tool for getting things going,” she says. “When you have sex (with or without orgasm) there is an increase in uterine activity, which can spark the start of contractions,” she explains. “Semen is also a natural source of prostaglandins, the hormone-like substances responsible for helping to change your cervix during labor,” Teen adds. “After orgasm, there is a release of oxytocin in your body. Oxytocin is the hormone responsible for contractions during labor.”

Nipple Stimulation

Nipple stimulation is widely considered to be a natural method of inducing labor, but results are mixed as to its efficacy. One study indicates that women assigned to a nipple stimulation control group had to perform the action for an average of 69 minutes before noticing any sort of regular contractions^[1]Stark E, Athens Z, Moeun S. Intrapartum nipple stimulation therapy for labor induction: a randomized controlled external pilot study of acceptability and feasibility. American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology MFM. 2022;4(2). . Despite that, says Teen, nipple stimulation does release oxytocin into the body, which is the main hormone responsible for triggering labor. “This method should be performed only by those who have reached 39 weeks pregnant with no signs of labor, or only a few signs,” Teen advises.

Recognizing the signs of labor can be difficult, especially if it’s your first time. So when is it appropriate to call your doctor? In short, any time, says Teen. “If at any time or for any reason you think something doesn’t feel right, we’d much rather hear from you than have an emergency go on unreported—so never feel bad about calling your doctor to run your symptoms by them.”

Teen urges you to contact your doctor if you experience any of the following:

• If you think your water broke
• If you have tested positive for Group B strep (they may have special guidance about when you should come in)
• If you’re experiencing any bleeding
• If your baby isn’t moving as much as usual
• Sudden and severe abdominal or back pain