What Are the Signs of Labor and When to Call Your Doctor?
- Posted on: Jun 1 2025
As your pregnancy progresses toward the final weeks, you may start wondering how you’ll know when labor begins. At Grace Obstetrics & Gynecology in Fort Worth and Granbury, TX, we understand that recognizing the signs of labor can feel overwhelming—especially for first-time parents. Our team is here to help you feel confident and prepared for the big moment.
Early Signs That Labor May Be Starting
Labor often begins with subtle changes. Here are some early signs to look for:
- Lightening: Lightening during pregnancy refers to the time when the baby “drops” lower into the pelvis in preparation for birth. It’s also known as “baby dropping” or engagement. During lightening the baby’s head moves down into the mother’s pelvis and reduces pressure on the diaphragm, which can make breathing easier. For first time moms, lightening often happens 2-4 weeks before labor occurs. For subsequent pregnancies it may not occur until labor actually begins.
- Increased vaginal discharge or the loss of the mucus plug: The loss of the mucus plug during pregnancy is a normal event that typically occurs toward the end of the third trimester, as the body prepares for labor. The mucus plug is a thick collection of cervical mucus that forms early in pregnancy. It seals the cervical canal to protect the uterus (and baby) from infections. Losing the mucus plug means that the mucus is discharged from the cervix, often appearing as a thick, jelly-like or stringy substance.
- Contractions: Contractions during pregnancy are the tightening and relaxing of the uterus muscles, and they play a key role in labor and delivery. They help dilate (open) the cervix and push the baby down through the birth canal. There are several types of contractions: Braxton Hicks contractions (false labor), true labor contractions and prodromal contractions (early but inconsistent labor).
Braxton Hicks vs. True Labor Contractions vs. Prodromal Contractions
One of the most common questions we hear is, “Are these real contractions or just Braxton Hicks?”
Braxton Hicks contractions:
- Start as early as the second trimester but more common in the third trimester
- Irregular in timing and intensity
- Usually painless or mildly uncomfortable
- Do not increase in strength or frequency
- Go away with rest or hydration
- Usually felt at the front of the abdomen
True labor contractions:
- Occur at regular intervals and get closer together, longer, and stronger over time
- Do not go away with rest or movement
- Often begin in the back and move to the front of the abdomen
- Lead to cervical dilation and effacement
Prodromal contractions:
- Often called “false labor”, but it can be a sign that real labor is near
- Feels stronger than Braxton Hicks but doesn’t progress labor
Other Signs of Labor
- Water breaking/Rupture of membranes: Rupture of membranes (ROM) during pregnancy refers to the breaking of the amniotic sac, the fluid-filled membrane that surrounds and protects the baby in the uterus. This event is commonly known as your “water breaking.” It can feel like a gush or steady trickle of clear, pale yellow, or sometimes slightly pink fluid from the vagina. It is often odorless and or slightly sweet smelling. If you believe that your water has broken it is important to call your doctor or midwife immediately.
- Bloody show: In pregnancy, “bloody show” refers to the passage of blood-tinged mucus from the vagina, usually as a sign that labor is approaching or beginning. It is a mixture of mucus and blood that comes from the cervix and it often happens after the loss of the mucus plug.
- Persistent lower back pain or pelvic pressure
When to Call Your Doctor
Call your OB/GYN if you experience:
- Contractions every 5 minutes lasting 60 seconds for at least an hour (the 5-1-1 rule)
- Water breaking, especially if the fluid is green, yellow, or foul-smelling
- Heavy bleeding
- Decreased fetal movement
- Signs of preterm labor before 37 weeks
Every pregnancy is different, and it’s always okay to reach out with questions or concerns. At Grace Obstetrics & Gynecology, we offer individualized care and guidance as you prepare for labor and delivery.
To schedule an appointment or speak with our team, visit us here.
Further Reading:
ACOG-How to tell when labor begins
Posted in: Obstetrics