Labour usually begins between the 37th and 42nd weeks of pregnancy. The exact trigger for labour is unknown, but it’s likely due to a shift in hormones. It’s possible that babies themselves cause this hormonal change once they are ready for life outside the womb.
When your baby is born before 37 weeks of pregnancy, it’s considered a premature birth. Babies born at the beginning of 37 to the end of 38 weeks are considered “early-term.” Early-term babies are still at a greater risk for breathing, feeding, and other medical problems. If your baby is born at 39 weeks or later, this is referred to as ‘full-term’.
Signs that Labour is Near
You may notice signs in the weeks or days before labour begins that your body is getting ready.
Braxton-Hicks Contractions
During the second and third trimesters of your pregnancy, you may notice times when your belly tightens and becomes firm to the touch and then relaxes. These are called Braxton Hicks contractions. These contractions may be milder – so much so that you barely notice them. Or they may be strong enough to make you stop what you are doing. Think of them as warm-up contractions
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- May be felt by 20 weeks and increase later in pregnancy
- Typically have no regular pattern (if they happen regularly before your 37th week, call your health-care provider immediately; you could be in preterm labour)
- Stretch and strengthen the uterus and prepare the cervix for childbirth
- Can cause mild to moderate discomfort (but some people don’t feel them at all)
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Lightening
Lightening is when the baby drops lower in the pelvis to prepare for birth.
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- It usually occurs two to four weeks prior to labour for first-time moms (although some babies don’t drop until after labour starts)
- After the baby drops lower, you may be able to eat larger meals, experience less frequent heartburn, and breathe more easily
- The baby’s lower position may cause back pain and the need to urinate more frequently
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Release of the Mucous Plug
There is a thick plug of mucous that’s purpose is to keep your uterus sealed during pregnancy. Sometimes, this comes out when the cervix begins to thin and open. This is a signal that labour is getting closer.
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- The plug usually releases anywhere from a few weeks before labour to the onset of labour
- You may notice clear, pink, brown, slightly bloody spotting, or a clump of mucus
- Some people don’t notice anything at all
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Other Signs
You might notice the following signs in the days or hours leading up to labour:
- The nesting instinct (urge to prepare your home for your baby)
- A weight loss of 1-3 pounds
- Increased backaches
- Diarrhea
Services related to this information:
- Contact your Public Health Nurse for immunizations and other prenatal support.
- 811 HealthLine (Newfoundland & Labrador) – Call 811 or 1-888-709-2929 / TTY 1-888-709-3555
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