How Do I Know if I’m in Early Labor? Signs to Watch For

“How do I know if I’m in early labor?” It’s one of the most common questions expectant mothers ask as their due date gets close. Early labor can feel different for every woman, and it’s easy to mistake early signs for Braxton Hicks contractions or everyday pregnancy discomfort.

Understanding what true labor feels like, how it progresses, and when to call your doctor can help you feel more confident and prepared.

Early labor begins when the cervix starts to dilate and thin out (efface) as the body prepares for delivery.

Before labor starts, you may feel tightening, pressure, or cramping, but it isn’t technically labor until your cervix begins to change. If you notice any of the signs below, contact your OB-GYN or midwife right away.

Signs You’re in Early Labor

Even women who’ve given birth before can’t always tell right away when labor is starting. Early labor signs are often subtle and easy to confuse with something else. Here’s what to look for before you head to the hospital.

Contractions That Are Getting Stronger and Closer Together

A contraction happens when the uterine muscles tighten and then release, helping move your baby toward delivery. Contractions are one of the clearest signs of early labor, but many women confuse them with Braxton Hicks contractions.

True labor contractions last about 30 to 70 seconds, arrive 5 to 10 minutes apart, and get stronger over time. Braxton Hicks contractions do not.

Tracking your contractions is the easiest way to tell the difference. If they’re real, they’ll be strong enough that you can’t walk or talk through them, and they won’t ease up no matter what you do. If drinking water, changing position, or resting makes the contractions fade, you’re likely experiencing Braxton Hicks contractions instead of early labor.

Your Water Breaks

Your baby has been surrounded by amniotic fluid inside the amniotic sac throughout your pregnancy. Once that sac ruptures (what’s commonly called “your water breaking”), labor is on its way. For some women, it’s a sudden, noticeable gush; for others, it’s just a slow trickle.

If your water breaks, whether it’s a gush or a trickle, call your doctor or midwife right away, even if you aren’t having contractions yet.

An Increase in Vaginal Discharge (Bloody Show)

During pregnancy, a plug of mucus seals the cervix. As your body prepares for labor, the cervix softens, and that plug loosens, causing a noticeable increase in discharge.

This discharge — known as a “bloody show” — may look clear, pink, or slightly brownish or reddish and can appear a few days before labor or right at the start of it. Heavy bleeding or bright red blood is different from a bloody show and needs immediate medical attention.

Lower Back and Belly Pain That Doesn’t Go Away

Steady, severe pain in your lower back or belly that doesn’t ease up when you shift position or move around can be a sign your body is getting ready to deliver.

When in doubt, always contact your medical provider. This blog is meant to be a helpful starting point, not a substitute for guidance from your doctor or midwife.

Early Labor vs. Braxton Hicks Contractions

The key difference between early labor and Braxton Hicks contractions is pattern: true labor contractions get longer, stronger, and closer together, while Braxton Hicks contractions stay irregular and short.

Braxton Hicks contractions typically show up in the third trimester and are usually irregular, lasting less than 45 seconds. You might feel the discomfort in your lower abdomen, groin, or back, and it tends to fade rather than build.

With true labor, the pain usually starts at the top of the uterus, spreads across your entire belly, and moves through your lower back and pelvis. Your doctor or midwife can help you tell the difference if you’re ever unsure, so don’t hesitate to call.

Labor and Your Adoption Plan

If you’re placing your baby for adoption, it’s normal to have questions about how labor and delivery will unfold at the hospital. As soon as early labor begins, call or text your Adoption Coordinator at Lifetime at 1-800-923-6784, and let her know again once you arrive at the hospital. She’ll coordinate with hospital staff to make sure your adoption hospital plan is on file and followed.

Creating a hospital plan ahead of time helps your delivery feel as calm and controlled as possible. It outlines how you’d like delivery to go and what role, if any, the adoptive family will have while you’re there. Your Adoption Coordinator will walk you through what to expect and can also update the adoptive family on your behalf, if that’s what you’d prefer.

Packing Your Hospital Bag Before Early Labor Starts

Once you start recognizing the signs of early labor, you’ll want your hospital bag ready to go. Lifetime Adoption provides free packed hospital bags, called “labor bags,” stocked with essentials like shampoo, conditioner, socks, pads, deodorant, mouthwash, lip balm, and washcloths.

Most experts recommend having your bag packed a month or two before your due date. Visit BirthmotherBlessing.com to request your free labor bag.

Support Through Labor and Beyond

Labor is physically and emotionally demanding, and so is the adoption decision. That’s part of why every state requires a waiting period after your baby’s birth before any adoption paperwork can be signed. This time gives you space to rest, recover, and think clearly before finalizing your decision.

Your Adoption Coordinator will be there to support you through the emotions that come with both labor and placement, and you stay in control of every detail in your hospital plan. She will also be available to connect you to post-adoption support.

To talk through what early labor and delivery look like when you’re planning an adoption, call or text Lifetime Adoption at 1-800-923-6784 for free, confidential information.

Frequently Asked Questions About Early Labor

How do I know if I’m in early labor?

You’re likely in early labor if your contractions are getting longer, stronger, and closer together (about 5 to 10 minutes apart), if your water breaks, if you notice an increase in discharge or a bloody show, or if you have steady lower back and belly pain that doesn’t ease with movement.

What are the first signs of early labor?

The first signs of early labor are usually mild, irregular contractions, an increase in vaginal discharge, and sometimes a bloody show. These early signs can appear hours or even a day or two before labor becomes active.

How long does early labor last?

Early labor can last anywhere from several hours to a day or more, especially with a first pregnancy. It typically ends once contractions become regular and the cervix dilates to about 6 centimeters, marking the start of active labor.

When should I go to the hospital?

Call your doctor or midwife when contractions are consistently 5 minutes apart, lasting 60 seconds, for at least an hour, or immediately if your water breaks or you notice heavy bleeding. Your provider will tell you when it’s time to come in.

What’s the difference between Braxton Hicks and early labor?

Braxton Hicks contractions are irregular, short (under 45 seconds), and often ease up with rest, movement, or hydration. Early labor contractions get progressively longer, stronger, and more regular, and they don’t stop no matter what you do.

The information on this blog is not meant to replace your doctor or serve as medical advice. Always contact your OB-GYN or midwife with questions about your labor and delivery.

 

Editor’s Note: This article was originally published on July 15, 2016, and has since been updated.