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Sudden Exhaustion Before Labor {what extreme tiredness before labor means}

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Is sudden exhaustion a sign of labor?

In the last weeks and days leading up to labor, you’ll probably be googling a lot of questions like:

“When does labor start?”

“What are the early signs of labor?”

“Is diarrhea a sign of labor?”

And so on. Every. Single. Twinge. will become a source of eek! could it be labor??

I was like this with all three of my pregnancies. And they were all different, LOL! The one thing you can count on with pregnancy and labor is that no two will be the same.

This post contains affiliate links. Please see our full disclosure here. In addition, this site is not intended for medical advice. See our full policy here.

Have you taken a prenatal course yet? Snag this amazing online prenatal course for 10% off using the code PC10

So- is sudden exhaustion a sign of labor?

The end of pregnancy can be a wild ride. If you’re not bursting with energy and rearranging furniture or deep cleaning your fridge, you might be hit with sudden exhaustion.

That’s a good sign that your body is conserving energy for the hard work of childbirth coming up!

Can labor just start all of a sudden?

Yes, it absolutely can. It happened to me!

I’ve mentioned this in other posts but it bears mentioning again-

With my third baby, I saw my doctor in the morning for a membrane sweep. She told me “don’t hold your breath, this baby isn’t coming anytime soon.”

So, I didn’t hold my breath and went about my day. As I was mopping the floor, I suddenly realized I was doubled over in pain… a major contraction! I rushed to the hospital at 2pm and had my baby before 6pm that same day.

This may not be typical with first time pregnancies but always be ready with your hospital bag packed– just in case.

There is something called precipitous labor (giving birth less than 3 hours after contractions have started), which I don’t think I had. But you should be aware of the signs as it can happen unexpectedly!

Signs of precipitous labor are:

  • Sudden pattern of very strong contractions that are close and don’t let you recover.
  • Pain that feels like one long contraction.
  • A sudden feeling of having to push or have a bowel movement. This can also feel like strong pressure in your pelvic area.

Can feeling unwell be a sign of labor?

Yes, feeling unwell can be a sign that baby is coming. You might have diarrhea (your body’s way of cleaning house), experience flu-like symptoms or have an achy, crampy feeling in your lower back.

RELATED: Weird Signs that Labor is Starting

What are the signs of going in to labor?

These are the most common signs of labor:

  1. Loss of mucus plug
  2. Bloody show
  3. Weight loss
  4. Nesting
  5. Extreme fatigue
  6. Diarrhea
  7. Back pain
  8. Contractions
  9. Ripened cervix
  10. Water breaking

Loss of mucus plug

The mucus plug is something that’s formed right when you conceive. It’s a blob of mucus that covers the end of your cervix to keep nasty germs and bacteria from getting to your baby- it’s really quite neat!

When you lose your mucus plug, you may not even notice. It could drop into the toilet or be wiped away without you knowing.

I noticed losing my mucus plug in 2 out of 3 pregnancies. With my son, it came out around 6pm and I went into labor at 2am that morning.

With my daughter, I actually lost it at 35 weeks and panicked about going into labor early. I only learned later that your mucus plug will regenerate if lost too early- so don’t panic if that happens to you.

So, if you notice a snotty type blob in the toilet or your underwear and it’s the end of your pregnancy- rejoice! Baby is coming.

Bloody show

The bloody show happens when you lose your mucus plug. This is because your cervix is very sensitive- it’s covered in a lot of tiny blood vessels. When the mucus plug gets dislodged, some blood vessels rupture and you might notice a small amount of blood.

The amount is very small- a streak of blood tinged mucus is normal.

So, if you missed the mucus plug coming out but there’s a small tinge of blood when you wipe at the end of pregnancy, that’s a really good sign of labor.

You stop gaining weight

You may stop gaining weight or even lose a little bit. The weight loss at the very end of pregnancy is very slight- about 1-3 pounds.

You might not notice unless you’re weighing yourself regularly.

Nesting

Deep cleaning your freezer? Organizing the pantry? Nesting is in instinct we share with animals- there is something that’s telling you baby will be here soon and to get those last minute things ready.

Nesting can happen in the last weeks and days leading up to giving birth. Try not to do anything too crazy (like moving an armoire and king size mattress… *cough*) but take advantage of the energy boost and get those last minute to-do’s finished up.

RELATED: Free 3rd Trimester Checklist

Extreme fatigue

On the flip side of a burst of energy, you feel extreme fatigue before going into labor. Your body is incredibly intuitive- listen to it! If you’re fatigued, it means it’s time to rest and conserve energy before the big day.

Rest as much as you can and spoil yourself with movies and delicious food before baby makes their debut.

Diarrhea

Maybe it’s gross but I always loved having diarrhea at the end of pregnancy, LOL! This is because it “cleans house” and clears everything out before you need to push baby out.

Generally, if it does happen to you, it will be 24-48 hours before labor.

Back pain

You know that crampy, achy feeling you get in your lower back around the time of your period? That feeling can be a good sign of labor approaching at the end of your pregnancy.

Contractions

This is the most obvious sign of labor but sometimes it’s hard to determine a real contraction from Braxton Hicks (especially with first pregnancies.)

I actually had a false alarm with my SECOND baby because I had been induced with my first and didn’t really know how real contractions would start/feel like.

Here’s a guide for you:

real contractions vs braxton hicks

Ripened cervix

When your cervix starts opening, that’s when exciting things start to happen! Your mucus plug will dislodge, you might notice a bloody show and you know that baby is on the way.

Your doctor will be checking you more regularly at the end of your pregnancy and they will check and tell you how dilated you are. Being dilated past 3cm is a good indication or labor approaching.

Water breaking

Did you know that only 15% of women have their water break before labor? I just assumed it happened to almost everyone because it happened to me with 2 out of 3 pregnancies.

It might be a trickle or it might be a huge gush- I’ve have both experiences! If you have liquid trickling down and you’re almost positive you didn’t pee… your water might have broken! It will be odorless and clear in color.

RELATED: 10 Easy and Safe Ways to Induce Labor at Home

How did you feel 24 hours before labor?

This varies from woman to woman AND pregnancy to pregnancy. I’ve had all the “regular signs” and knew it was coming and I’ve been completely surprised when labor did show up.

With my first- no idea it was coming. My water broke early in the morning and I was surprised!

With my second- I had an urge to eat lots of fun junk food, lost my mucus plug at 6pm and my water broke at 2am the next morning.

With my third- didn’t notice losing my mucus plug, doctor told me in the morning not to wait because baby wasn’t coming soon but I had strong contractions start at 2pm that day and had my baby at 6pm that same day.

Is baby more or less active before labor?

You might notice that your baby is less active before labor begins. No one knows why this is- it may be because your baby is saving energy for birth as well.

Your baby should still move several times an hour– always call your doctor if your baby isn’t moving and you’re worried.

When should you go to the doctor with contractions?

If your contractions are lasting 60 second and are 3-5 minutes apart, it’s time to head to the hospital!

Grab a free checklist below:

Stop googling “When to head to the hospital” with your FREE labor checklist!

Enter your email below to download your handy labor checklist.

How long do you have loose stools before labor?

Diarrhea or loose stools usually happen 1-2 days before labor begins.

RELATED: Diarrhea- surefire labor sign?

Sleeping a lot before labor- is it a sign of baby coming?

Did you feel exhausted before going into labor? I personally never felt the extreme exhaustion (other than normal end of pregnancy tiredness), but I did always notice a burst of energy and nesting instincts kicking in before going into labor.

Being tired and fatigued before labor is normal- if you feel like sleeping a lot and are able to, go for it! That’s a great chance to conserve energy before childbirth.

Sudden exhaustion or extreme fatigue at pregnant 37 weeks

Sudden exhaustion or extreme fatigue can indicate that labor may start soon. If this is happening to you at 37 weeks, keep an eye on your other symptoms and pack your hospital bag just in case!

RELATED: Obvious signs labor is 24-48 hours away

Burst of energy then exhaustion before labor

It’s confusing but both energy bursts and exhaustion are totally normally in the days leading up to labor. If you had a burst of energy and then got really tired, just go with it. Rest and pamper yourself- baby will be there soon!

39 weeks pregnant and feeling very tired and sleepy

39 weeks pregnant means your baby is full term- yay! Feeling tired and sleepy at this point is totally normal- you’re carrying around a full term baby, have a bunch of hormones wreaking havoc on your system and may or may not be getting enough sleep at night.

It’s hard not to google every single sign and twinge but rest assured, baby IS coming and you’re closer than ever now!

I had a burst of energy- how long before labor?

With my 1st baby, I had a crazy burst of energy at 38 weeks and started moving furniture around and then packed my hospital bag. My water broke early the next morning!

That being said, it’s different for every woman and every pregnancy. I didn’t get a burst of energy before labor with my second baby.

With my third I had a huge urge to vacuum and mop all the floors literally right before I went into labor. I managed to vacuum and get half the mopping done before the contractions took me down, lol!

Final thoughts on sudden exhaustion before labor

If you’re at the end of your pregnancy and you have experienced sudden exhaustion, chances are that labor is on its way!

It’s easier said than done but as a mom of 3, my advice to you is to try to enjoy the last days of your pregnancy. Which can be SO hard! And I wish I could have taken my own advice each pregnancy, haha.

Your baby is coming. No matter what, they will be here. And whether you birth them naturally, with an epidural or have a c-section- it’s going to be okay. You have got this. Sending momma love to you and positive birth vibes <3

More Labor and Birth Articles:

Is sudden exhaustion a sign of labor?

How To Have A Fast Labor {simple ways to speed up labor and delivery}

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TIPS TO SPEED UP LABOR

‘HOW TO HAVE A FAST LABOR’ is something that every pregnant woman ends up googling at some point in their pregnancy.

Thinking about labor always brings up some intense emotions. It’s one of the craziest things you’ll ever do followed by the most life changing thing that will happen to you. And things can change at the last minute so you never know how it will really go until it’s over.

Still haven’t taken a prenatal class? Sign up HERE for Hilary’s online course. She’s been an OB nurse since 2001 🙂 Use the code PC10 for 10% off

This post contains affiliate links. Please see our full disclosure here. In addition, this site is not intended for medical advice. See our full policy here.

how to have a fast labor/how to have a fast labor and delivery

Here are the ways to shorten labor– we’ll explain each one in more detail below:

  • Exercise throughout your pregnancy
  • Drink red raspberry leaf tea
  • Use birth affirmations
  • Take a prenatal class
  • Breathe properly
  • Use clary sage oil
  • Eat dates
  • Sleep more

EXERCISE THROUGHOUT YOUR PREGNANCY

I wasn’t active with my first baby.

By my second pregnancy, I was very active with running and some strength training. I had no desire to let that go and kept up pretty well throughout my second pregnancy.

The difference was NIGHT AND DAY. For my pregnancy and the labor.

My first pregnancy was riddled with injuries, an early mat leave and having a hard time doing anything. The labor was long, hard and I tore while pushing and ended up with stitches.

My second pregnancy was actually somewhat enjoyable! Things weren’t really uncomfortable until the end but even then it was NOTHING like my first. The labor was just under 6 hours from my water breaking to pushing my son out. I did have an epidural (which I loved) and pushing was less than 3 minutes.

RELATED: 9 Things To Know About Epidurals

My third pregnancy was much like the first- not too uncomfortable until the end and the labor was just under 4 hours from when I had my first contraction to pushing out my daughter. Pushing lasted 5 minutes!

I am completely attributing the second and third pregnancies to being strong, fit, eating (somewhat) healthy and drinking Red Raspberry Leaf tea like a fiend!

Being strong and fit will definitely help you have an easier and fast labor. Your muscles are ready for the marathon ahead and being fit means less chance of injuring yourself during labor.

The American Pregnancy Association lists these benefits to exercising during pregnancy:

  • Reduces backaches, constipation, bloating
  • May help prevent gestational diabetes
  • Improves mood and posture
  • Promotes muscle tone, strength and endurance
  • Helps you sleep better

Squats are one of THE most beneficial exercises you can do for preparing your body for birth.

RELATED: A Realistic Hospital Bag Checklist

DRINK RED RASPBERRY LEAF TEA

I will sing the praises of Red Raspberry Leaf tea until I’m dead in the ground. This tea is so freaking amazing, I’ll never go through another pregnancy/labor without it!

RRLT contains fragarine which has been known to:

  • help tighten and tone the uterus and pelvic muscles
  • at the same time, help to relax these muscles which can speed up and ease childbirth

Start with one cup per day in your 1st trimester and build up to three cups per day by your 3rd trimester. (I actually was drinking about 4 cups by the end, if you want to do this as well, please research and consult your physician!)

I originally purchased the single packaged tea bags but because I was drinking so much red raspberry leaf tea, the price didn’t make sense so I started buying in bulk from here.

As if this tea doesn’t do enough for you, it also contains:

  • calcium
  • potassium
  • magnesium
  • iron
  • manganese

Which is why I drink red raspberry leaf tea before, during and after pregnancy for an extra boost of vitamins.

This study shows that women who drink the tea might have less of a chance of needing artificial membrane rupture or a c-section!

RELATED: Signs labor has officially started!

USE BIRTH AFFIRMATIONS

When we fight what’s happening, we are tensing up parts of our body that don’t even need to be tensed up. This can actually slow your labor down.

Use Birth Affirmation Cards to empower your body and mind. They will help make your labor easier and faster- grab your set for $4.99.

Don’t try to fight what’s happening. It’s so hard to NOT do this because every inch of your body is in extreme distress and you want to fight that feeling like hell.

It’s going to feel weird to tell yourself to accept what’s happening to you and ride WITH it instead of AGAINST it. But once you do, it will make things a whole lot easier!

RELATED: Signs Labor Is 24-48 Hours Away

TAKE A PRENATAL CLASS

Hilary has been an OB nurse since 2001. She is offering  a free online prenatal class that will help to simplify labor and help you to have a relaxing birth.

I did not do this and wish I had. The class I attended at the hospital really didn’t give a lot of in depth information on methods for dealing with pain besides drugs, what would happen if you were induced, or any information on what should/could happen with your baby right after birth. (Had I known I could ask for delayed cord clamping or skin to skin right away before they measured and weighed her, I would have.)

Hilary’s class will empower YOU as a mother and help you to feel confident making informed decisions. You can grab her prenatal class here.

RELATED: Less Obvious Signs of Labor

BREATHE

Breathing properly seems like a no brainer. And, really, it kind of is.

Unless you’re in labor.

My goodness, everything you think you prepared for will go out the window. And if you barely looked at anything and thought you had it covered (like me), you’ll be up sh*t creek.

My nurse during my 3rd labor was almost ready to slap me at one point, yelling, ‘you NEED to BREATHE.’

I completely panicked and almost forgot how to breathe entirely. So put some work in and find labor breathing techniques you can practice and nail down so you aren’t panicked and flailing!

RELATED: Hospital Bag Checklist for Dads or Birth Partners

TRY CLARY SAGE OIL

There is some debate over whether or not this works. What Clary Sage definitely DOES do is increase your bodies natural levels of oxytocin. The line of thinking is that if it increases oxytocin, it will help you relax and hasten your labor.

Clary Sage is also thought to increase the intensity of contractions, but again, research is limited.

I have used it to try to induce labor as well as throughout the labor.

For inducing, I mix it with a carrier oil and rub directly on my belly. (Please wait until you are safely past 37 weeks for this.)

During labor, put a drop or two on a cotton ball and inhale. You can also add to a carrier oil and rub on pressure points or your belly! This is the kind I’ve used with all 3 babies.

EAT DATES

By eating 6 dates per day for the last 4 weeks of pregnancy you are likely to:

  • Go into spontaneous labor (rather than be induced)
  • Have a shorter labor
  • Have higher cervical dilation upon admittance to the hospital

Definitely worth trying it out! If you’re wondering about how to eat that many dates, check out this recipe for date caramel sauce or throw them in your smoothies to sweeten them up.

Stop googling “When to head to the hospital” with your FREE labor checklist!

Enter your email below to download your handy labor checklist.

SLEEP MORE

I know what you’re thinking. 

Cause I haven’t been trying to get more sleep, thank you very much.

There was a study that found women who had inadequate sleep in late pregnancy were significantly more likely to have longer labors and require c-sections.

Don’t let this stress you out even more, make it a reason to spritz your pillow with lavender or buy that pregnancy pillow you’ve been eying up. You can get this pregnancy pillow for $50 off using my code NEWMOMMA20.

These seriously helpful pregnancy sleep tips will have you sleeping in no time!

Every woman wants to have that super magical, fast and easy labor. The truth is, there are SO MANY factors at play when you go into labor.

Whether it’s your first or fourth baby, your age, activity level or just what your baby decides to do- anything can happen.

WHAT CAUSES FAST LABOR?

There are a few factors that can cause a fast labor to happen:

  • A strong uterus that contracts with a lot of strength
  • A birth canal that knows what to do
  • A history of fast labors
  • A smaller than average baby

WHAT SHOULD I EAT FOR EASY LABOR AND DELIVERY?

Start preparing for labor during pregnancy by eating foods that can help speed up labor! Here are some suggestions:

  • Green leafy vegetables
  • Dates
  • Nuts and seeds
  • Sweet potatoes
  • Bananas
  • Melons

Green Leafy Veggies

Greeny leafy vegetables contain an plethora of vitamins and nutrients like magnesium, iron, zinc, calcium, vitamins A, K and E.

Dates

According to this study if you eat 6 dates per day in the last 4 weeks leading up to labor and delivery, you’re giving yourself a good chance to:

  • Go into spontaneous labor vs induction
  • Have a higher cervical dilation at admission to the hospital
  • Have a shorter first stage of labor- whoo hoo!

Nuts and Seeds

Nuts and seeds contain high levels of vitamins (B6, folate), minerals (calcium, magnesium, iron) and proteins.

DOES WALKING MAKE LABOR EASIER?

There actually haven’t been any studies conducted on pregnant woman who walked around during labor and those who didn’t. There was a study done where 30% of the women thought that walking brought on labor faster but there were no clear results.

That being said, walking around in early labor and in between contractions is thought to make labor easier. This is because gravity is helping nudge baby down and may speed up the process.

WHAT IS THE QUICKEST LABOR TIME?

If it’s your first baby, labor lasts, on average, 12-24 hours. Subsequent pregnancies are usually shorter.

The fastest labor ever recorded? This mom delivered in less than 2 minutes!

IS FAST LABOR GENETIC?

No one knows for sure if rapid labor or precipitate labor is genetic. It’s thought that if you have a mom or sister who had a fast labor, you might too but it’s not a guarantee.

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(use the code NEWMOMMA20 to grab any of the following for free)

IN CONCLUSION

There is never a guarantee as to how your labor will go- I’ve had 3 extremely different experiences and that’s pretty normal!

I wish you a positive birth experience, whatever that may be. Hope for a fast and easy labor and prepare for a long and hard one and you’ll come out okay ❤

MORE AWESOME LABOR TIPS:

HOW TO SPEED UP LABOR

How to Breathe During Labor

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Need to pack your hospital bag? Don’t miss our FREE hospital bag checklist to print and download! It’s realistic- no fluff 🙂

How is a woman in labor breathing? Most women will be either holding their breath or be breathing fast and shallow to try to counteract the pain.

With my third baby, my nurse almost had to slap me out of it. I was in so much pain and so out of it that she yelled into my face “YOU NEED TO BREEEAAATHHHEEE.”

It’s seriously SO important!

Hyperventilating or holding your breath are not okay!

These techniques are from the beginning of labor all the way to the end 🙂

Knowing how to breathe properly during labor is one the best tools, hands down, that you can use during labor and delivery.

Breathing comes so naturally that we don’t think about it which is great- if you’re not in labor.

When you’re in pain, your body will want to hold the breath or hyperventilate. This is not good!

Here are the best labor breathing techniques:

Use these techniques to help get through labor and delivery.

The Destresser Breath: helps take away the stress and helps you relax

How to do it:

  1. Place your hands on your tummy.
  2. Breathe in through your nose for 4-6 seconds while imagining your tummy is a balloon you’re filling up.
  3. Slowly exhale through your mouth for 6-8 seconds.
  4. Repeat.

Transition Breathing: short, shallow and helps to resist urge to push

How to do it:

  1. Take 2 shallow breaths in.
  2. Exhale 2 shallow breaths out.

The “J” Breath: helps to release tension while pushing baby out

How to do it:

  1. Deep breath in through your nose.
  2. Exhale while making a low moaning sound. Keep abs tightened. Imagine the sound sweeping from your through down past your uterus and birth canal in a “J” motion.
  3. Practice while pooping. This is the closest sensation you’ll get to giving birth!

Please watch the video below to see the techniques demonstrated! If you’re wondering WHEN you’ll go into labor click here.

Less Obvious Signs of Labor: Non Traditional Signs of Labor

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Symptoms Before Labor Begins

There are a few telltale symptoms that women can get before labor begins. Some are obvious and some you might miss! Having been through three pregnancies, all of them completely different, it’s hard to say what will happen for sure.

Here we will go over all the common signs of labor approaching:

  • Cervix dilates
  • Baby drops
  • Cramps or back pain
  • Bloody show
  • Loss of mucus plug
  • Weight loss
  • Fatigue or nesting
  • Braxton Hicks
  • Water breaks
  • Vaginal discharge changes color or consistency
  • Diarrhea

This post contains affiliate links. Please see our full disclosure here. In addition, this site is not intended for medical advice. See our full policy here.

symptoms before labor begins/less obvious signs of labor/

Looking for new mom+baby freebies?

Use the code NEWMOMMA20 to grab any of the following for free 🙂

Your Cervix Dilates

When your cervix dilates past 3 cm, you may be going into labor soon! Seeing your doctor should be happening regularly as you approach your due date and they will be checking to see if your cervix has dilated at all.

If your cervix isn’t dilating, that doesn’t necessarily mean much. With my 3rd baby, I saw my doctor on the morning before I went into labor.

She checked my cervix and laughed because it wasn’t even a cm dilated and told me “not to hold my breath” over the baby coming anytime soon.

I went into labor around 2 that afternoon 🙂

RELATED: Signs Labor is Only 24-48 Hours Away

Baby Drops

If it’s your first baby, usually the baby will drop closer to your due date (around 2-4 weeks.)

If this is a subsequent pregnancy, your baby may not drop until labor begins.

Cramps or Back Pain

Your muscles and joints will start shifting for birth so this can be a sign of labor coming soon.

Bloody Show

You will notice if have a bloody show because it’s, well, bloody. This may show up after wiping in the bathroom or in your underwear. It’s a very good sign labor is on the way!

RELATED: Free Printable Hospital Bag Checklist

Loss of Mucus Plug

The mucus plug is created at the moment of conception. It’s a plug made of mucus that stays on the end of your cervix to stop harmful bacteria or germs entering the cervix.

As your cervix dilates, you may lose your mucus plug.

This is really noticeable for some pregnancies and for some it’s not noticeable at all.

With my second pregnancy, I lost my mucus plug around 6pm and then my water broke around 2am that morning.

With my third pregnancy, I lost my mucus plug around 35 weeks and started freaking out because I was SURE I was going into early labor.

Luckily, if you lose your mucus plug early, your body will just regenerate it.

Weight Loss

In the days leading up to labor, you might notice a weight drop. You may lose anywhere from 1-3 pounds of water weight.

RELATED: Signs that Labor has Started- {get ready to meet baby!!}

Fatigue or Nesting

It can be confusing during those last few days before labor begins. Either your body will be trying to conserve energy for childbirth or you’ll be getting in some last minute nesting!

symptoms before labor begins/less obvious signs of labor/

When I was pregnant with my first baby, I had a sudden burst of energy at 37 weeks. I packed my hospital bag, cleaned and moved an dresser and king size bed to a different room. My water broke at 6am the next morning. Pay attention to energy levels!

Braxton Hicks

How do you tell the difference between Braxton Hicks or real contractions?

Braxton Hicks:

  • Irregular and infrequent, lasting only 15-30 seconds.
  • Subside if you change position.

Real contractions:

  • Consistently get stronger and more frequent.
  • They don’t go away if you stand up or change position.
  • Last about 30-70 seconds each.

True labor vs. false labor

Please include attribution to themommyhoodclub.com with this graphic.

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Your Water Breaks

Only 15% of women experience their amniotic sac rupturing before labor begins. If it does happen, it means you’re going into labor, yay!

My water broke with 2 out of 3 babies before labor started.

Change in Vaginal Discharge

Once you get closer to labor, you might notice your vaginal discharge changing color or consistency.

Diarrhea

Your body produces extra relaxin leading up to birth. Relaxin causes your muscles to relax to make for an easier birth. This affects ALL your muscles, including your rectum muscle which can lead to diarrhea.

But, this is a good thing because it helps your body void all unnecessary contents before you give birth!

That means no pooping during labor and delivery 😉

It can still happen though. Try not to worry too much. All the nurses that will help you have seen it before, they’re absolutely professional and will whisk it away before anyone can see it!

RELATED: How soon after diarrhea does labor start?

Stop googling “When to head to the hospital” with your FREE labor checklist!

Enter your email below to download your handy labor checklist.

Non Traditional Signs of Labor

  • Feeling emotional
  • A change in your pets behaviour
  • Nesting
  • Feeling off
  • Labor dreams
  • Flu symptoms
  • Stomach troubles
  • Mood swings
  • Sudden weightloss
  • Weird cravings

RELATED: How To Have A Faster Labor

Feeling Emotional

Do you get emotional before birth?

Yes, that can be a sign that your hormone levels are changing as you prepare to give birth.

You Pet Starts Acting Weird

As you approach labor, the scent of your body may change. This can cause pets to pick up on that and act differently.

Nesting

Nesting is always something I kind of look forward to. It’s the last burst of energy and a pretty good sign that baby is coming.

Also very helpful with getting you to finish all those last minute tasks- just make sure you don’t go too hard deep cleaning behind the fridge!

RELATED: Traditional Signs And Symptoms Of Approaching Labor

Just Feeling “Off”

In the evening before my water broke with my son, we went to the grocery store because I really wanted strawberry pie, which was weird for me. (the strawberry pie was weird, not the junk food lol)

We ended up getting a bunch of junk food and had a really fun evening before we went from a family of 3 to 4.

Looking back, I kind of knew that the baby was coming. I just knew.

Labor Dreams

Vivid dreams about going into labor can be a sign that it really is right around the corner. This can be your minds way of helping you to mentally prepare for the big day.

Flu Symptoms

Diarrhea and nausea can be a sign of impending labor but if you start vomiting, contact your healthcare provider.

Stomach Troubles

Crampy, gassy and the need to void your bowels are all signs of pregnancy coming to an end!

Mood Swings

Mood swings are a very normal symptom of labor approaching. You might find yourself laughing, crying, angry- all within the space of 5 minutes. Get ready for baby!

Sudden Weight Loss

Losing 1-3lbs of water weight is a fairly common sign that labor is going to start within the next few days or hours.

Weird Cravings

You’ve probably had some weird cravings your whole pregnancy but if you have anything SUPER weird in the last days leading up to labor, that probably means that baby will make their debut soon.

RELATED: How to Induce Labor (FAST!)

Weird Things that Can Happen Before Labor

  • Acne
  • Baby moves a lot
  • Fatigue
  • Loss of gain of appetite
  • You just know
  • Chills and feeling cold
  • Lower back pain
  • Gas and/or bowel movement

You Break Out

A surge of androgens can happen at the end of pregnancy. This surge helps ripen your cervix but it can also, unfortunately, cause one last break out.

Baby Starts Moving A Lot

Usually a good sign of labor coming is that baby will move less than what they have been doing. This isn’t because they’re not moving at all, it’s because the patterns change. Instead of kicking they will start squirming and shuffling which feels like less movement.

RELATED: The Ultimate 3rd Trimester Checklist

Fatigue

Extreme fatigue is an early sign of labor. Being tired at the end of pregnancy is normal, but this type of fatigue is quite a bit different.

It’s a heavy feeling. Listen to your body and rest as needed!

Noticeable Loss or Gain of Appetite

Have you been eating like crazy only to just feel like you’re not hungry AT ALL?

Or, have you been uninterested in food and now suddenly RAVENOUS?

Perhaps your body needs to clear itself out or perhaps you need energy for the impending birth!

You Just “Know”

Just knowing is not scientific at all. But that doesn’t mean it’s not true!

Sometimes, you just KNOW.

Chills and Feeling Cold

If you suddenly have chills and get cold at the end of pregnancy, you may be going into labor soon.

The change in body temperature can be a sign of labor hormones.

Lower Back Pain

Lower back pain, an achy or crampy feeling is generally a good indication that labor is near. This is because your muscles and joints are stretching in preparation for childbirth.

RELATED: How to Make Labor Easier (and FASTER)

Gas and/or Bowel Movement

Becoming gassy and having a BM can be a good sign of labor on its way, especially at the very end of pregnancy.

How Long Does Early Labor Last?

You can expect early labor to last anywhere from 8-12 hours, according to The American Pregnancy Association.

The Most Interesting Signs of Labor

Most of the signs of impending labor are the same but some are more interesting and strange than others! These include:

  • Feeling weird
  • Feeling “off”
  • Mood swings
  • Weird dreams
  • Sudden weight loss
  • Having a break out
  • Cold/flu symptoms
  • Being gassy

💕Have you taken a prenatal course yet?

Hilary has been an OB nurse since 2001. She’s knowledgeable, down to earth and offers a free online prenatal course. Check out the course HERE.

Read more about labor and birth:

Weird Things that Happen Before Labor

Diarrhea: Sign of Labor??

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How Soon After Diarrhea Does Labor Start?

Well, if someone had told me I’d be writing about diarrhea in depth for my day job one day, I might’ve laughed. Now?

I’m excited! I’ve had 3 babies and spent the last days/weeks of each pregnancy agonizing over each and every little twinge or symptom.

You’re here because you’re at the end of your pregnancy and you want to KNOW- how soon after loose bowels do you go into labor?

Let’s talk about poop:

Diarrhea or loose bowels is a well known sign of labor. This is because as your body prepares for labor, it will start producing more prostaglandins.

Prostaglandins help with regulating contraction and relaxation in the muscles of the gut. This is great for getting labor started and clearing out your bowels!

*Fun fact- semen contains prostaglandins. Have some fun with your SO to encourage labor to start 🙂

I always loved getting everything ‘cleared out’ so that there was less worry for pooping during labor! (If you poop during labor… don’t worry. We’ve all done it. You may not even notice because the nurse will whisk it away quickly and professionally.)

This post contains affiliate links. Please see our full disclosure here. In addition, this site is not intended for medical advice. See our full policy here.

Is diarrhea a sign of labor at 37 weeks?

How soon after loose bowels did you go into labor?

The loose bowels pregnancy sign is one that you can count on happening roughly 24-48 hours before labor begins. So if it’s happened to you and you’re at the end of your pregnancy- do a happy dance! Baby is on the way 🙂

RELATED: 11 signs that labor has STARTED!

Watery diarrhea before labor

Diarrhea can happen any time during pregnancy. Maybe you overdid it at the Mexican place or you’re feeling a bit off.

If it’s at the very end of your pregnancy, watery diarrhea is probably a sign of labor coming!

How long do you have diarrhea before labor?

Generally, diarrhea will occur 24-48 hours before labor begins. Having a cleansing poop before labor is something GOOD!

Is diarrhea a sign of labor at 37 weeks?

It can be- it really depends. If your body is going to go into labor at 37 weeks and you’re experiencing diarrhea, that probably means you’re going into labor.

It could also mean your stomach is feeling off or you ate a lot of greasy/spicy food.

Take it easy, stay hydrated and keep an eye on your symptoms.

If the diarrhea is accompanied by any of the following, you are probably going into labor within the next day or 2:

  • Contractions
  • Water breaking
  • A bloody show
  • Change in vaginal discharge
  • Sudden weight loss
  • Cervix dilates

RELATED: Signs that labor is less than 48 hours away

Can diarrhea cause contractions?

If you have diarrhea that’s persistent, it can irritate the uterus and cause contractions.

How do you feel right before labor?

How do you tell labor is a few days away?

Can pushing too hard to poop cause labor?

My friend, we have all been there. Completely stopped up, praying for a poop to happen but at the same time wondering just how hard can I strain without causing myself to go into labor?

Don’t worry-

Straining on the toilet will not signal labor to start.

You can also nix the worry of wondering if straining to poop will hurt baby- it certainly won’t.

The only thing you do want to be slightly concerned about is developing hemorrhoids (which are swollen veins in your rectum or anus). Those are as fun as sitting on hot barbed wire 😬

Here’s what to do if constipation is becoming more than a minor annoyance:

How long does diarrhea last before labor?
  • Keep hydrated
  • Stay active
  • Eat a well rounded diet that focusses on fiber

You can also use an over the counter fiber supplement like Metamucil. Check in with your doctor before using any laxatives or supplements.

RELATED: 13 WEIRD labor signs

Is upset stomach a sign of labor?

If you’re feeling nauseous, crampy or have a stomach ache- this can be one of the earliest signs of labor.

Can contractions feel like diarrhea cramps?

According to Cleveland Clinic,

“Labor contractions cause discomfort or a dull ache in your back and lower abdomen, along with pressure in the pelvis. Some women might also feel pain in their sides and thighs. Some women describe contractions as strong menstrual cramps, while others describe them as strong waves that feel like diarrhea cramps.“

Can contractions feel like sharp pains?

It’s different for every woman AND pregnancy. My third labor started with creeping period like cramps and a dull ache then slowly progressed to outrageously painful and intense contractions.

My second labor started with my water breaking and intense contractions starting soon after. To me, it always felt more like a radiating pain from my back to my belly. I can’t seem to recall any sharp pains but there are a couple of moms quoted on Family Education that do mention sharp pains.

How do you know if it’s true labor or false labor?


True labor vs. false labor

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Is pooping a lot a sign of labor coming soon?

It certainly can be! I don’t think I ever had full diarrhea with any of my pregnancies but I certainly remember my body “cleaning house” before labor each time.

If you’re at the end of your pregnancy and you’re desperately searching for labor signs that will tell you for sure that it’s happening- I completely get it.

I was an obsessive wreck with each pregnancy. I couldn’t just relax and wait for it to happen! Here are some safe ways you can try to induce labor if you’re safely past 38 weeks.

diarrhea how soon before labor

FOR SURE signs labor is 24-48 hours away- get ready!!

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HOW DO YOU TELL LABOR IS A FEW DAYS AWAY?

How do you feel right before labor starts? How do you feel 24 hours before labor? What are the signs of labor approaching? What are the signs labor is 24-48 hours away?

It’s not always crystal clear, however there are some signs more than others that you can rely on.

In the days and hours leading up to each of my three labor and deliveries, there were some clues that stood out with each one. There were some big differences, too!

My first and second pregnancies started with my water breaking so I KNEW it was time. Before that, I had a bloody show and could tell labor was on the way.

With my second pregnancy, the bloody show happened about 8 hours before my water broke.

Hopefully these obvious signs of labor will help you figure out if it’s time to get ready!

This post contains affiliate links. Please see our full disclosure here. In addition, this site is not intended for medical advice. See our full policy here.

Still haven’t taken a prenatal class? Sign up HERE for Hilary’s online course. She’s been an OB nurse since 2001 🙂 Use the code PC10 for 10% off

Signs that labor is 24 to 48 hours away:

  1. Loss of mucus plug
  2. Bloody show
  3. Weight loss
  4. Nesting
  5. Extreme fatigue
  6. Diarrhea
  7. Back pain
  8. Contractions
  9. Ripened cervix
  10. Water breaking

Let’s dive in to these symptoms before labor begins:

Loss Of Mucus Plug

A mucus plug is something your body creates from the moment of conception to protect your baby from harmful germs and bacteria. It is literally a plug on the end of your cervix that’s made of mucus, charming, I know.

You might notice losing this but you might not. Some women have seen it drop into the toilet, some have wiped it away after peeing and some have felt it in their underwear.

My first baby, I never noticed a mucus plug. With my second baby, I distinctly remember losing my mucus plug the evening before my water broke at 2am. With my third, I actually lost my mucus plug at 35 weeks and was CONVINCED I was going to have a very early baby.

After doing a lot of research, I discovered that you can, in fact, lose your mucus plug more than once. Your body will just regenerate it if it comes out too early!

So, how long after losing your mucus plug does labor start?

If you lose your mucus plug that means your cervix is starting to dilate- yay! However that can mean that labor is hours away or as long as 1-2 weeks.

Bloody Show

Sometimes people use the terms “mucus plug” and “bloody show” interchangeably but they’re slightly different.

The mucus plug is transparent and contains little to no blood while the bloody show is mucus tinged with red or brown blood.

If you have a bloody show, it means you’ve lost your mucus plug and your cervix is preparing for labor!

RELATED: How To Induce Labor (quickly and naturally!)

Weight Loss

Don’t get too excited, it’s not a lot of weight loss. It can be anywhere from 1-3 pounds of water weight that you shed in the days before you go into labor.

Increased Vaginal Discharge

Once you get closer to labor, you might notice your vaginal discharge becoming thicker or changing color.

Nesting or Being Extremely Fatigued

Is sudden exhaustion a sign that labor is close?

Extreme fatigue before labor is a pretty good sign of what’s coming. On the flip side- you may get a burst of energy and start nesting!

Those last few days before you go into active labor can be confusing. Either your body will be trying to conserve energy for childbirth or you’ll be getting in some last minute nesting!

When I was pregnant with my first baby, I had a sudden burst of energy at 37 weeks. I packed my hospital bag, cleaned the house and then my water broke at 6am the next morning. Pay attention to energy levels!

Diarrhea- Is Pooping a Sign of Labor Coming Soon?

It certainly can be!

This happens because your muscles are getting an extra dose of relaxin leading up to birth. This means that ALL your muscles get it, including your rectum muscles.

But, this is a good thing because it helps your body void all unnecessary contents before you give birth!

Ie; no pooping during delivery!

It can still happen though- just to warn you. It’s hard not to worry about it, but try not to. All the nurses that will help you have seen it before, they’re absolutely professional and will whisk it away before anyone can see it!

RELATED: Diarrhea: how soon before labor?

Back Pain

If you start having lower back pain and a crampy feeling, that can be a sign that labor has started or is approaching. This is because your muscles and joints are shifting for birth.

Contractions

How do you tell the difference between Braxton Hicks contractions and real contractions?

Braxton Hicks:

  • Irregular and infrequent, lasting only 15-30 seconds.
  • Subside if you change position.

Real contractions:

  • Consistently get stronger and more frequent.
  • They don’t go away if you stand up or change position.
  • Last about 30-70 seconds each.

True labor vs. false labor

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Ripened Cervix

By this point you’ll be seeing your doctor a lot. They’ll be checking each time to see if you’re dilated at all. If you’re dilated past 3cm that can mean you may be going into labor soon.

To give you some hope though, if you aren’t dilated yet, here’s what happened with my third baby:

I saw my doctor around 9am on my baby’s actual due date and she checked me. She laughed and said I wasn’t even 1cm so I shouldn’t hold my breath over the baby coming any time soon. So I left thinking it was going to be a week or two.

I went into labor at 2:30 that day and had my baby at 6:16. You never know.

Free Printable- When to Head to the Hospital!

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RELATED: How To Have A Faster Labor

Water Breaking

It shocked me to learn that only 15% of women have their water break before labor begins. If it does happen, it means you’re going into labor, yay!

My water broke with 2 out of 3 babies before labor started. My daughter, hours before and my son about 20 minutes. With my 3rd, my water broke during active labor.

RELATED: Epidurals- Should You Get One?

Is Nausea A Sign Of Labor?

Nausea and vomiting is experienced by a lot of women at some point during labor.

Sometimes, nausea can happen before labor but generally it happens during the active first stage of labor. I have definitely felt nauseous due to the pain from contractions.

If you do end up vomiting, keep drinking fluids to stay hydrated.

What Is False Labor?

It may be false labor if the contractions:

  • come less than 4 times an hour
  • aren’t regular
  • don’t get painful or stronger
  • come and go depending on your position

Early Labor Signs

What are the first signs of early labor? Sometimes there are early and more subtle signs before labor begins:

  • Back pain/cramps
  • More Braxton Hicks
  • Being overly emotional
  • Flu-like symptoms
  • Increased vaginal discharge
  • Loose feeling joints
  • Weight loss
  • Sudden exhaustion
  • Nesting instinct kicks in
  • Pet starts acting “weird”

RELATED: 17 Non-Obvious Signs of Labor

How Do You Feel 24 Hours Before Labor?

The answer to how you feel right before labor varies by woman and by pregnancy.

And, it may change for each pregnancy you have!

Symptoms in the hours/days before labor include:

  1. Loss of mucus plug
  2. Bloody show
  3. Weight loss
  4. Nesting/Extreme fatigue
  5. Diarrhea
  6. Back pain
  7. Contractions
  8. Ripened cervix
  9. Water breaking

I know that you want a definite answer as to what happens right before you go into labor- the truth is, there is no definite answer. You may have 1, 2 or all of the above symptoms.

Or, you might have NONE. Seriously, I had NO CLUE that my third baby was going to arrive on the day that she did. Not one single inkling, symptom or anything. It was fine one minute, active contractions the next.

With my son, I lost my mucus plug in the evening, about 8 hours before my water breaking.

RELATED: Free Printable Birth Plan (+ why you want one)

When To Go To The Hospital For Labor

As a general rule, you should head to the hospital when your contractions are about 4 minutes apart, last 45-60 seconds and stay that way for an hour. However, if this isn’t your first baby, things may move more quickly.

If you’re at all unsure, contact your healthcare provider.

With my first baby, I went in WAY too early because my water broke but I didn’t go into active labor. I ended up being induced because I was Group B strep positive.

With my second baby, my water broke and my labor progressed extremely quickly- I think I stayed home for an hour from the first contraction till I left for the hospital.

With my third baby, my water didn’t break. I was in active labor from the very first contraction – there was no early labor phase for me. I left for the hospital about 15-20 minutes after my first contraction and I’m SO happy I did because my baby was born less than 4 hours later.

I tell you this to show that not only is every woman different, so is every labor! What happened with your first or second baby may not happen with subsequent babies.

Am I In Labor? Here’s How To Tell:

Signs of labor include:

  • Strong and regular contractions
  • Your water breaking
  • Bloody mucus discharge (bloody show)
  • Loss of mucus plug
  • Diarrhea
  • Back pain
  • Ripened cervix

Always, ALWAYS call your healthcare provider no matter what the time of day if you’re unsure- they WANT you to call!

There is still time for a prenatal class if you haven’t taken one yet

With all the craziness happening in the world- it’s hard to get to a hospital or physical class. Hilary is offering a free online prenatal class– she’s been an OB nurse since 2001 and knows how to simplify labor so you can have a relaxing birth. She’s also really funny and down to earth! You can check it out here.

***

When I was googling signs of labor, I was always looking for something that would definitively tell me it was happening. I was also desperately wishing for it to start, as I’m sure you are.

It’s SO HARD to wait the last few weeks! And while I wished for labor to start at the end of every pregnancy I’ve ever had-

Looking back, I wish I would have slowed down and tried to enjoy the last little while before my new one was Earth side.

If it’s your first pregnancy, slow down and really soak up the moments that you’re truly yourself and cherish the time you have left to do whatever you want.

It’s a subsequent pregnancy, enjoy your last moments with your other children before a new baby takes up a lot of your time. I know it’s hard, but try.

I’m wishing you so much luck and love on your journey. Wishing you a positive labor and delivery momma ❤

Looking for more helpful tips on labor and delivery?

SIGNS THAT LABOR IS COMING SOON

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