As your due date comes closer, every small pain starts making you wonder, “is this it… is labor starting?” one moment you feel excited, the next moment a little scared. this phase is full of questions and overthinking, and that’s completely normal.
But don’t worry. your body is very intelligent. it slowly gives you signals before labor begins. you just need to understand them calmly. when you know what to expect, half your fear disappears and your confidence grows.
So let’s sit together and talk heart to heart about the common signs of labor, just like an elder sister or mother would explain gently.
Signs that labor is approaching : The "Warm-up" phase
Your baby bump feels lower
In the last few weeks, you may notice your tummy dropping slightly downwards. this is called lightening. it simply means your baby is moving into position for birth.
You might feel lighter while breathing and your heartburn may reduce, which is a relief. but at the same time, you may feel more pressure in the lower abdomen, pelvis, or back. some backache and stretching pain is normal. don’t worry, mumma… it’s just your body preparing space for baby.
Loose motions or stomach upset
Sometimes, due to hormonal changes, you may get loose motions or frequent bowel movements. many mothers get confused or scared, but this is actually nature’s way of clearing your system before labor.
Drink enough water and stay hydrated. it is usually normal unless very severe.
Nesting urge or sudden energy
You may suddenly feel like cleaning cupboards, arranging baby clothes, folding blankets, or setting up the house perfectly. this strong urge to organize everything is called nesting.
It’s very common and very cute too. your motherly instinct is kicking in. use this time happily, but don’t over-tire yourself. rest is equally important.
Signs that labor is actually beginning
As the last few weeks of pregnancy pass, everything starts feeling more real and emotional. Every small pain makes you wonder, “Is it time now?” At home, your mother quietly starts preparing — folding baby clothes again, keeping your hospital bag ready, reminding you not to go too far alone. And like every Indian maa lovingly says, “Ghabrana mat, sharir khud bata deta hai jab time aata hai.”
Your body gives small, gentle hints. You just need to stay calm and notice them.
Blood-Stained Discharge : One day you may notice a thick, sticky discharge that looks clear, pink, or slightly red. Seeing this can make you nervous, but don’t be scared. It’s completely normal. It simply means your body has started preparing for delivery.At home, elders often say, “lagta hai time paas aa gaya hai.” That’s exactly what it means — the body is slowly opening up to welcome the baby. You don’t have to rush immediately, but it’s a sign to keep everything ready and inform your family that labor may start soon.
Regular tightening or pain in the stomach: In the beginning, you might feel it’s just gas or normal cramps. Pregnancy has so many small aches that it’s easy to ignore. But true labor pain feels different. Your stomach becomes tight and hard, then relaxes, and after some time it tightens again. Slowly the pain becomes stronger and starts coming at regular intervals. Even if you lie down, walk, or rest, it doesn’t go away. That’s when you realize this is not ordinary discomfort — this is your body getting ready to bring your baby into the world. Don’t try to bear too much pain thinking “thoda aur dekhte hain.” It’s always better to leave calmly for the hospital with time in hand.
Water leakage or clothes getting Wet: We often see in movies that water breaks with a big splash, but in real life it’s usually much simpler. It might just feel like slow leaking or continuous wetness. Your clothes or pad may keep getting wet, and you can’t control it like urine. If this happens, don’t feel confused or embarrassed. Just freshen up and go to the hospital. Once the water breaks, it’s safer to be under medical care, even if pains haven’t started yet.
Heavy back pain or pressure: Sometimes you may feel a deep, dull ache in your lower back, different from your usual tiredness. It feels heavy, like someone is pressing hard on your back. Many women say, “kamar toot rahi hai.” This happens because the baby is moving down and your body is preparing for delivery.If this back pain comes along with tightening or contractions, it’s a strong sign that labor is near.
When Should You Leave for the Hospital?
In the last days of pregnancy, the biggest confusion every mother feels is — “Abhi jaana chahiye ya thoda rukna chahiye?”
You don’t want to rush unnecessarily… but you also don’t want to be late. This back-and-forth thinking is very normal. Even the strongest women feel unsure at this time.
That’s why it helps to remember a few simple signs. Think of them like your body gently saying, “Chalo, ab hospital ka time ho gaya.”
When pains become very regular
If your stomach tightening or labor pain starts coming every five minutes or even closer, and keeps repeating in a proper pattern, don’t wait at home anymore. When the gap between pains becomes small, it usually means your baby is getting ready to come soon.
At this stage, it’s better to quietly pick up your bag, call your family, and leave. No rushing, no panic — just calmly go.
When your water breaks
Even if you don’t feel any pain, if you notice water leaking or your clothes getting wet again and again, don’t wait for contractions to start. Once the water breaks, doctors usually prefer you to be in the hospital for safety.
So just freshen up, change clothes, and head out. No need to overthink.
If there is bright red bleeding
A little pink or brown discharge is normal, but if you see fresh bright red bleeding like a period or more, don’t ignore it. Inform your doctor immediately and go to the hospital. It’s always better to be careful in such situations.
If you feel something is not right
A mother’s heart is very strong and very intuitive. If you feel the baby is moving less than usual, or you feel uneasy, uncomfortable, or something just feels “off,” trust that feeling.
You don’t need a big reason. Your instinct is enough.
Go and get checked.
Mumma Tip: It is always better to go to the hospital and be sent home for a false alarm than to wait too long at home. Your doctors are used to it, and your peace of mind is worth the trip!
Final reassurance for mummas
Always remember — it is perfectly okay to go to the hospital and be told, “abhi time hai, ghar ja sakte ho.”
Doctors see this every day. They don’t mind at all.
But waiting too long at home and worrying is much harder.
Your peace of mind, your safety, and your baby’s safety matter more than anything.
As every Indian maa says, “Jaldi jaana better hai, der se nahi.”
Stay calm, keep your bag ready, keep your phone charged… and trust yourself.
Very soon, you’ll be walking into that hospital with a big belly… and coming back home with your baby in your arms.
Last medically reviewed on January 20, 2026 by Dr. Bhavya Doshi Jain
MBBS (AFMC), MS, FMAS, MNAMS, PDCC ( AIIMS R)
Consultant Obstetrician and Gynecologist
