10 Promising Signs That Labor is 24 to 48 Hours Away

There’s no guaranteed way of knowing when your baby will arrive, but there are definitely things to watch out for. And not all of them are physical. Babies like to keep us guessing, and there are never any guarantees about when labor will start. But does that mean that there are no clues to watch out for? Of course not! Here are some classic signs that labor is 24 to 48 hours away.

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How do you feel the day before labor?

Everyone’s answer will be different. You might feel completely normal the day before you go into labor. Feeling fed up, impatient, and bored of being pregnant are also normal, too. You might even be overwhelmed by your “nesting instinct” and want to scrub the baseboards in every room of your house.

It’s always fun to hear people’s stories of what they were doing right before they went into labor.

But in an ideal world, if you knew that you were about to start life with a newborn, you’d probably take a nap, eat a nutritious meal, and maybe catch up with your partner and friends without having to worry about bringing a diaper bag with you.

How can you tell if labor is close?

Although it’s unpredictable, your body might give you some signs labor is near. Just remember, some of these things might happen as early as two or three weeks before labor starts, especially if it’s not your first baby.

Some promising labor symptoms include:

1. Lightening

Also known as the baby “dropping".

Can you suddenly breathe easier than you have in weeks? But now suddenly you need to pee every thirty minutes? It might be that your baby has dropped down into your pelvis.

If it’s your first baby, it’s not unusual for them to stay “higher” until you have your first contractions. But this is one of the more subtle labor signs that might happen much earlier for subsequent pregnancies.

2. Contractions

Contractions might be a sign that you’re in early labor, but you could also be experiencing prodromal labor, known as Braxton Hicks contractions or false labor. It feel a whole lot like the real thing.

If the contractions come and go (rather than getting more intense and closer together), or if they disappear when you change position, you probably have some more waiting to do. But Braxton Hicks can be a clear sign that it won’t be too much longer.

These happen in the second or more commonly third trimesters and can come and go — frustrating, we know! The upside is that these contractions are helping your baby get into the ideal position. They normally occur once or twice in an hour, last for a minute or so, and stop when you move, rest, or change your position. And they are completely irregular.

3. Diarrhea

Diarrhea at this stage in your pregnancy can happen not because you’re sick but because your muscles are relaxing and preparing for labor. It’s also common to vomit during labor, but this doesn’t usually happen until things are well underway.

Dr. Kiarra King explains that "Diarrhea happens as a result of prostaglandins, which help the uterus contract. They also can affect the smooth muscle of the intestines leading to diarrhea."

4. Losing your mucus plug

Your mucus plug is a barrier that forms between your vagina and uterus during early pregnancy to protect your baby from bacteria. When your cervix starts to dilate (widen) and efface (softens and thins), the mucus plug that has been keeping your little one safe from infection no longer fits snugly into its cervical space.

You might notice some mucus (more jelly-like and stringy compared to normal vaginal discharge) in your underwear. Or you might notice nothing at all if you lose the mucus plug gradually.

Losing your mucus plug can mean that labor is anywhere from hours to weeks away. And some only lose it when they’re already in labor.

So, the mucus plug can be a sign that labor is near, but it’s not the most reliable one. If you lose your mucus plug before 37 weeks of pregnancy, you should speak to your OB/GYN.

5. Movement

It’s fair to wonder Does a very active baby mean labor is near? The truth is, you probably won’t notice your baby moving more than usual before labor begins.

In fact, you might feel fewer movements, because they’re getting comfy in your pelvis and they simply don’t have as much space as they did a few weeks ago. The problem is, decreased fetal movement can also be a sign of fetal distress, so make sure to monitor your baby’s movements daily.

Just be sure to keep track of when you feel your baby move. If you feel less than 10 kicks in two hours, or are otherwise concerned about a change in fetal movement, don’t hesitate to give your doctor a call. [1]

6. The bloody show

While it has a scary name, the bloody show is actually connected to losing your mucus plug and also has to do with what’s happening with your cervix. When your cervix widens, thins, and softens in preparation for labor, it can affect the blood vessels in the area.

This can result in a bit of blood, sometimes mixed with mucus. While it’s normal to see a little blood toward the end of your pregnancy, heavy bleeding is a signal that something else is up. Check-in with your doctor if this happens.

7. Flu-like symptoms

Some mamas-to-be do report having flu-like symptoms as labor approaches. There’s not much scientific evidence that flu-like symptoms are a sign that labor is arriving, but that doesn’t mean the two don’t have a link. [2]

If you’re feeling ill, talk to your doctor about your symptoms so that they can get you through your labor safely.

8. Weight loss

It sounds strange, but it’s true: some people lose up to 3 lbs. [3]

And there are different reasons for this. Some of it is water weight.

Nope, you’re not imagining it — you could very well be peeing more as that growing peanut puts pressure on your bladder.

9. Clumsiness

Hard to hold a cup or walk without bumping into furniture? You have something to blame!

Clumsiness as labor approaches has to do with your ovaries and placenta releasing a hormone called relaxin. It’s aptly named — relaxin’s job is to relax your joints and tendons in preparation for birth, but it can also make it harder to control your limbs and balance.

A common side effect? Tripping, dropping things and twisting your joints. Be careful out there, mama.

10. Nesting

Towards the end of your third trimester, you might feel the sudden urge to organize the baby clothes and clean behind the dryer, right now. While exhaustion at the end of pregnancy is normal, you might get a sudden burst of energy for obscure household chores.

Leave no sock drawer unturned! Just make sure you take time to rest in between cleaning bouts.

How does labor feel in the beginning?

First, let’s talk contractions. Everyone’s experience is slightly different.

This tightening (and releasing) in your uterus may feel like anything from a dull ache to intense pressure. Some women experience it as bad period pain.

Contractions tend to go in a wave-like motion from the top to the bottom of your uterus. And they’ll become more intense as labor goes on.

And then there’s your water breaking. You might feel a gush of fluid from your vagina, or it might be a barely noticeable trickle.

It’s made up of amniotic fluid — that’s the magic liquid in the amniotic sac that’s been protecting your baby all this time. For about 10% of pregnant people, the water breaks before labor starts (called prelabor rupture of membranes. For others, it happens while labor’s already in full swing, either on its own or with the help of your doctor or nurse. [4,5]

Once you’re in active labor, you have the option to receive pain relief. As the American College of Gynecologists and Obstetricians (ACOG) tells us, pain medication during labor is safe for you and your baby — and whether you choose to have it or not is 100% up to you. [6]

An effective method of pain relief is an epidural, which is an injection you’re given in your back that numbs your lower half, including your abdomen, back, and legs. In most cases, having one means that you’ll feel little to no pain. You’ll be awake, though, and able to feel pressure during pushing. [7]

There are other medication options, too. So talk to your healthcare team ahead of time and discuss your preferences, as well as if there is any reason why you shouldn’t take medication. [6]

And as is the case with all your birth preferences, you are allowed to change your mind in the moment. This is your experience and nobody else’s, and it’s completely normal for plans to change.

What is precipitous labor?

For some people, labor is really fast — this is called precipitous labor. Here, labor starts and ends (with the birth of your baby) within three hours.

And while this can sound like a dream, it can be quite scary. Contractions can come on fast, be more intense, and leave you (and baby) little break in between.

If this happens, get to your birthing center or hospital as soon as you can, or to the nearest clean and safe spot where your baby can be born. It’s still totally possible to have a healthy, happy baby!

What are the signs of preterm labor at 35 weeks?

Some babies like to make an early appearance! Preterm labor is labor that starts before 37 weeks.

Thanks to the remarkable advances of medical science, even babies that are born very early (after 28 weeks) have a chance of growing into healthy adults! So if you notice signs that you’re about to go into labor early, talk to your healthcare team ASAP.

There’s a lot they can do to look after you and your baby in this situation, including giving you steroids to strengthen your baby’s lungs, ensuring infections are managed and treated, and slowing down labor contractions. [8]

Here are the signs to watch out for before 37 weeks: [9]

• Bad cramps in the abdomen
• Dull, lower back pain that comes and goes, or is constant
• More than six uterine contractions in an hour, or contractions that come on without warning
• Diarrhea
• Vaginal discharge that is watery, bloody, or containing mucus

What are the signs of labor at 40 weeks of pregnancy?

40 weeks pregnant with no signs of labor? As you start to get beyond your due date and your little one is not that keen to make an appearance, things can get stressful.

First up — breathe. It’s good practice. 😉

The signs of labor at week 41 are the same signs that you’ll experience at other times of your pregnancy. But there may be a concern that your baby is too big to fit through the birth canal.

In most cases, you’ll be seeing your doctor once a week if not more at the end of pregnancy, so you’ll be able to keep them updated on any labor signs you might be experiencing (or not).

There are some risks that come with babies being born past their term — and the sooner you get medical attention, the better. If your doctor is concerned, they might look at inducing labor, either through medications or techniques like breaking your water for you. [10]

And if you’re wondering if you can induce labor yourself, well, there are methods that have been used for centuries all over the world. Unfortunately, there’s not always concrete research about how effective they are — so it’s always best to check in with your doctor first.

How do you know if it's labor pains?

We’ve all seen those scenes in the movies — that big surprise when someone’s water breaks and they dramatically rush to the hospital. While this certainly can happen, in real life, only about 1 in 10 women experience their water breaking in this way. [11]

Usually, the signs of labor are much more gradual. And as with all things pregnancy, your labor experience might be very different from your friends and even your previous pregnancies.

Whatever way it plays out, there are three main stages of labor. These are early labor (which can last upwards of 20 hours), active labor, which is when it’s time to get to where your baby will be born, and the final stage where you deliver the placenta.

If your contractions are mild, short, and irregular, but you haven’t experienced any other labor pain symptoms, you could have Braxton Hicks contractions. These are essentially your body doing a trial run. They’re more common at the end of the day or after physical exercise.

So how do you know it’s the real deal?

There are 5 tell-tale signs active labor is near, and your baby is about to make an appearance:

1. Strong contractions that come more frequently — about every 5 to 7 minutes.
2. Contractions that last upwards of 30 seconds and get more intense as they progress.
3. Vaginal discharge that has a brownish or reddish tinge.
4. Pain in your lower back, belly, or pelvis that doesn’t go away if you shift positions.
5. Your water breaking — which could be a sudden rush or a gradual trickle.

When should I go to the hospital for labor pains and contractions?

The timings of hospital trips will be different for every mama-to-be, depending on your location, how dilated your cervix was at your last exam, your baby’s position, and your health history.

As a general rule though, if contractions are 5 minutes apart, lasting 1 minute each, for at least 1 hour, it’s time to go to the hospital. This is known as the 511 rule. You might also hear about the 411 rule. Yep, that’s just contractions 4 minutes apart.

When you feel a few contractions in a row, it’s time to start timing. There are some great apps that can help, but otherwise just using a stopwatch on your phone works too. It’s helpful to have someone time them with you.

• Time the length of each contraction — from when the tightening begins, to when it eases.
• Then time the time between contractions, from the start of one to the start of the next one. (Not from the end of one to the start of the next.)
• Keep on timing.

Keeping in regular contact with your practitioner will also mean avoiding arriving at the hospital too early (and getting turned away, never fun) or too late (and your baby isn’t waiting for a second longer). It’s all about taking as many worries off your plate as possible, ready for the big day.

If you’re having contractions, when to go to the hospital for a second baby?

If this isn’t your first baby, you’ve got to move sooner. Second (or third or fourth babies) come faster.

When your contractions come every 5 to 7 minutes, and are at least 45 to 60 seconds long, it’s time to grab your hospital bag and head to the hospital.

It’s important to remember that every woman's situation is different, though. For example, you might need to head to the hospital sooner if you live further from the hospital or if you have any complications like preeclampsia or gestational diabetes. [12]

How long did you have contractions before going to the hospital?

When to go to the hospital for labor is not going to be exactly the same for all of us. We know from Peanut mamas’ experiences that the early stages of labor (and the contractions that go with it) can last anything from a few hours to multiple days.

While the labor timeline is different for everyone, it’s not unusual for second and third babies to come much quicker than the first time around. So it’s not a bad idea to prepare for this.

And once contractions get stronger, longer, and closer together, it's time to go to the hospital. Take a deep breath mama, because you’re about to meet the new love of your life.

How to prepare for labor

Research shows that preparing for childbirth ahead of time can have very real impacts on your experience of childbirth — and even on whether medical interventions are needed as you go through it. [13]

There are many things you can do to prepare. You can do some of these, all of them, or none at all — it’s up to you.

The first thing to do is talk with your birth team often throughout pregnancy. Go through your preferences (and what to do if things don’t happen according to plan). To get started, take a look at our birth preferences template.

One thing to think about is ways to keep your strength up during labor. While eating during labor used to be a no-no, many hospitals are actually finding that for many low-risk pregnancies, there’s no reason to go hungry (provided you stick to light nibbles only). [14]

Playing music while you’re in labor can be a vital part of your experience. And there’s research to suggest that music therapy can be highly beneficial when it comes to managing pain and anxiety while you’re in labor. (We’ve put together a labor and delivery playlist for you. Enjoy!) [15]

Childbirth classes can also be an excellent way to understand what you can expect from labor and delivery. Often, your hospital or birth center will offer one or more childbirth classes. Ask your doctor or midwife for advice on which one is best for you.

And, of course, we believe that community is everything. Reading the birth stories of others can be very beneficial — as is talking to those who have been where you’re at. Join us on Peanut. We’re having the conversation.

Hang in there, mama. Hopefully, it won’t be long before you meet your little peanut. 🥜