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.

Pregnant woman reorganizing the pantry - sign of nesting

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.

Calendar with 37th week circled—signs labor is near

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