Sanford Clinic Women's Health

Signs and Symptoms of Labor

Changes your body may go through to prepare for labor (pre-labor signs):

• Lightening (lowering of your baby into your pelvis)
• Pelvic floor pressure
• Frequent urination
• Less pressure on your diaphragm and rib cage (allows you to breathe easier)
• Burst of energy
• Frequent soft bowel movements
• Increase in frequency of irregular contractions
• Increase of vaginal discharge
• Loss of the mucus plug that may be pink or blood-tinged

Positive signs of labor:

• Contractions – The contractions will become more regular, stronger and closer together regardless of your activity level or position. They can cause pain that will wake you from your sleep. True contractions generally begin high in the abdomen, radiating throughout the abdomen and lower back. Contractions can last from 30 to 60 seconds.
• Leaking of fluid (bag of water) – This can occur at any time during your labor. It can be a small trickle or a gush of fluid. You will want to note the "time", "color", "amount" and "odor". If you have questions, please contact your healthcare provider.