
Signs of labor checklist
Article
Mar 31, 2021
1 min
- Regular contractions or tightenings. They might feel like really intense period pains.
- Backache—contractions don’t just happen in in the bump area.
- Mucus or jelly-like stuff in your panties—this is called a “show”.
- A sudden urge to use the restroom. This is caused by the baby’s head pressing down on your bowel.
- Your waters breaking. This might not happen before labor. But if it does call the hospital ASAP.
- Call the hospital ASAP if you’re unsure or worried about anything. For example, if you’re bleeding or your baby is moving less than usual.
- Don’t forget to have your hospital bag packed and ready to go! See our checklist of essentials to include.
- You may feel like you have a lot of energy and can't resist the urge to clean your house and everything around you, but don't overdo it.
- Your cervix also begins to dilate and relax in the days or weeks before you give birth.
- When contractions happen every five minutes and are so strong that you can't walk or talk, it's time!