You’re 37 weeks pregnant, give or take.
The nursery’s ready. The hospital bag is half-zipped. You’ve Googled “how to use a birthing ball” three times this week.
Now your brain won’t shut up:
“Wait… was that a contraction?”
“Why does my pelvis feel like it’s being split by Thor’s hammer?”
“I just deep-cleaned the fridge at 3 a.m.—is this nesting or have I officially lost it?”
If you’re nodding along, hi. You’re in the right place. Let’s talk about the real signs that labor is near—not the vague textbook stuff, but the honest, body-whispering signs your baby might be getting ready to make their grand entrance.
1. You’re suddenly on a mission to reorganize the entire house 🧼
This isn’t your regular “hmm I should fold the laundry” vibe. Nope. This is “I must scrub the grout between the tiles with a toothbrush while rearranging the pantry” energy.
That’s nesting. And it’s a classic pre-labor instinct. Your body knows big changes are coming, and your brain starts prepping your environment like a boss.
2. You feel different. Like something’s shifted.
It’s hard to describe, but many moms say there’s this calm-before-the-storm feeling right before labor. Almost like your body is going quiet to focus on what’s next.
Maybe you suddenly don’t feel like going out. Or you’re more emotional. Or you just know something’s coming.
Listen to that inner voice. You’re not imagining things.
3. You’re having more Braxton Hicks—but they feel… spicier 🔥
Let’s talk about the practice contractions. You’ve probably felt these mild tightenings before—but as labor gets closer, they might:
Last longer
Feel a bit crampier
Show up more often (especially at night)
The key? They still go away with rest, water, or changing positions. If they don’t… hello early labor!
4. You’re suddenly pooping. A lot. 💩 (Yep, we’re going there.)
Your body’s way of clearing the decks before the main event often involves some very efficient trips to the bathroom.
Blame it on hormonal shifts that relax your digestive system. It’s weird, slightly inconvenient, and a good sign that your baby might be packing their bags.
5. Your discharge changes (aka “the mucus plug drama”) 🩸
Some moms lose their mucus plug days—or even weeks—before labor starts. It might look like:
A clear or slightly blood-tinged blob of goo (cute, right?)
Increased watery discharge
A “bloody show” (light spotting mixed with mucus)
It’s one of the more googled signs of labor, and yes, it’s totally a thing.
💡 Pro tip: Don’t stress if you don’t see it. Some women lose it in pieces. Some don’t notice at all. You’re still doing great.
6. Your baby has dropped (a.k.a. lightening) 🎈
Suddenly, you can breathe again (hallelujah), but also… your bladder? Constantly under siege.
That’s because your baby has shifted lower into your pelvis in prep for launch.
This can happen a few weeks before labor for first-time moms or right before for experienced ones. Either way, your waddle might become a full-blown pregnancy strut now.
7. You’re getting cramps that feel like period pain
Unlike the sharp twinges earlier in pregnancy, these cramps are dull, low, and consistent. They’re often one of the first early signs of labor—especially when paired with lower back aches.
It’s your uterus warming up. Think of it like stretching before a marathon (minus the sports bra and Gatorade).
8. Your water breaks… or trickles 💦
Thanks to Hollywood, we expect this big dramatic GUSH.
But in real life? Your water might:
Trickle slowly
Leak intermittently
Break with a small pop and a flow
If this happens, call your provider—even if contractions haven’t started yet. It’s go-time soon.
9. You just know something’s happening
Some moms swear they just knew labor was near.
They couldn’t explain it, but their body, heart, and intuition were all saying:
“It’s almost time.”
And let me tell you—if you’ve made it this far, you’re already doing amazing.
Final Thoughts (a little pep talk for your soul)
Waiting for labor can feel like waiting for a package with no tracking number.
You’re excited. Nervous. Impatient. Emotional. And very, very done.
But here’s the truth: Your body is wise.
It’s not just growing your baby—it’s preparing for the exact moment when you’ll meet them.
So breathe, mama. Keep that hospital bag close. And when those real-deal contractions hit?
You’ll know.
(And yes—your fridge will be spotless, your bathroom organized, and your heart so ready.)
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Foods To Eat & Avoid During Pregnancy
How To Reduce Pregnancy Anxiety (Without Googling Every Symptom)
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