As your due date draws closer, one of the most common questions expectant mothers have is: “How will I know when it’s time?” The truth is, labor and delivery look different for every woman, contractions may start gradually for some, while others experience a more sudden onset.
There’s no single script. But knowing what to look for can help you feel calm, prepared, and ready to act when the moment comes.
In the days or weeks before labor begins, your body starts sending signals that birth is getting closer. Two of the most common are lightening and Braxton Hicks contractions.
Sometimes called the baby “dropping,” this happens when your baby settles deeper into the pelvis. You may feel less pressure on your diaphragm and find it easier to breathe. For first-time mothers, this can occur a few weeks before labor; in subsequent pregnancies, it often doesn’t happen until labor is already underway.
Braxton Hicks contractions are irregular, practice contractions that help prepare your uterus for the real thing. Unlike true labor contractions, they don’t follow a pattern and won’t increase in frequency, duration, or intensity over time.
Early labor typically brings mild, irregular contractions alongside a few other physical changes. Here’s what to keep an eye out for.
As labor approaches, the cervix begins to soften, shorten (efface), and open (dilate). These changes happen gradually and can be confirmed during an examination with your doctor or midwife.
You may also notice the loss of your mucus plug, sometimes called a “bloody show”, a common early sign that your cervix is beginning to change.
The rupture of membranes, also known as your water breaking, can feel like a sudden gush or a slow, steady trickle.
Either way, it’s a clear sign that labor is underway or very close. Contact your midwife or head to the hospital as soon as this happens, even if contractions haven’t started yet.
Knowing when to reach out for support is just as important as recognizing the signs themselves. When in doubt, call — your care team is always there.
Contact your OB/GYN or midwife right away if you experience any of the following:
There’s no such thing as calling too early. Your WomanCare team, including our midwifery care team, welcomes these calls and is here to guide you.
A little preparation goes a long way. Having a plan in place before labor begins means you’ll spend less time scrambling and more time focused on what matters. Here are a few things to take care of ahead of time:
Recognizing the signs of labor is one of the most empowering things you can do as you approach your due date. The more informed you feel, the more confident and in control you’ll be when the time comes.
At WomanCare, our OB/GYN and midwifery teams are here to answer your questions, review your birth plan, and walk alongside you through every stage.
Whether you’re looking for traditional obstetric care, a more holistic birth experience with our midwifery care program, or a combination of both, we’ll build a plan that’s right for you.
Ready to talk through your birth plan? Schedule a prenatal appointment at one of our five Chicago-area locations today.