10 Unexpected Signs Labour is Closer Than You Think (From One Mama to Another)

Mama, you’ve been carrying this little miracle for months.
You’ve felt every kick, every hiccup, and probably every backache along the way. Now, after all the waiting, wondering, and waddling… the finish line is so close you can almost smell that sweet newborn scent.

But here’s the thing: labour doesn’t always start the way the movies show it. No dramatic gasp in the grocery store, no mad dash to the hospital after your water suddenly breaks. Often, your body gives you quiet little whispers that your baby’s debut is near — and I’m here, as a mama who’s gone through it twice, to share them with you.

So let’s walk through this timeline together from a few weeks out to those exciting final hours so you can feel calm, prepared, and a little giddy about what’s coming next.

2–4 Weeks Before Labour: The Early Hints

1. Your Baby “Drops” Into Position

One day you might realise your belly looks a little lower. That’s your baby settling into your pelvis, we call it lightening. You might breathe easier (hello, more lung space!), but you’ll also find yourself visiting the bathroom more than you thought humanly possible. With my first baby, I remember thinking, “Oh, this is it!”… but she still took her sweet time arriving.

2. Braxton Hicks Contractions Feel More Noticeable

These little “practice contractions” are like your uterus doing warm-up stretches. They’re usually irregular and go away if you rest or drink water. In my second pregnancy, I had them almost every evening for weeks. It was like my body’s nightly reminder that something big was coming.

1–2 Weeks Before Labour: Nesting & Body Changes

3. The Nesting Instinct Hits Hard

If you suddenly feel like reorganising your pantry at midnight or folding tiny onesies for the fifth time, welcome to nesting. It’s this burst of energy that almost feels magical your way of preparing the perfect space for your little one.

4. Loose Joints and Backache

Your body’s producing relaxin, a hormone that loosens ligaments in your pelvis so your baby can pass through more easily. The downside? Your hips might ache, your walk might get wobblier, and turning in bed might feel like a slow-motion sport.

A Few Days Before Labour: The Signs Get Stronger

5. Losing Your Mucus Plug

This jelly-like plug has been sealing your cervix all pregnancy to keep bacteria out. As your cervix starts to soften and open, it comes out either in one piece or little bits over days. It’s completely normal and just another sign your body is making room for your baby.

6. Stomach Upset or Diarrhoea

Not the most glamorous part, but your digestive system may “clear out” before labour. It’s your body’s way of making sure there’s nothing in the way when the time comes.

Within 24–48 Hours: The Countdown is Real

7. The Bloody Show

A small amount of pink or brown mucus means your cervix is opening more. I remember seeing it with my second baby and thinking, “Okay, we’re really close now.”

8. Heavier Pelvic Pressure & Backache

Your baby’s head presses down so low you might feel like you’re carrying a bowling ball between your legs. Even sitting can feel different at this stage everything feels ready.

Hours Before Labour: The Big Moment

9. Your Water Breaks

Sometimes it’s a gush, sometimes it’s a trickle and sometimes it doesn’t happen until you’re well into contractions. Either way, it’s one of those oh wow moments where you know things are moving fast.

10. Contractions That Don’t Let Up

Real labour contractions are strong, rhythmic, and they get closer together no matter what you do. When they take your breath away and you can’t talk through them, you know you’re about to meet your baby.

Mama, you’ve got this.
Every twinge, every ache, every exciting sign is your body’s way of telling you: “We’re almost there.” The wait may have felt endless, but soon you’ll hold that little bundle you’ve been dreaming about for nine whole months and all the discomfort will fade into the background the moment you hear that first cry.

Frequently Asked Questions About Signs of Labour

Q1: Can labour start without losing the mucus plug?
Yes! Some mamas never notice when they lose it, and labour still starts just fine. It can also come out during active labour, so don’t panic if you haven’t seen it yet.

Q2: How do I know if it’s real labour or just Braxton Hicks?
Real labour contractions get stronger, last longer, and come closer together and they don’t stop when you rest or drink water. Braxton Hicks are usually irregular and fade away with a change in activity.

Q3: What should I do if my water breaks first?
Call your healthcare provider, even if contractions haven’t started yet. Sometimes labour kicks in right away, and sometimes it takes a few hours. Either way, they’ll guide you on when to head in.

Q4: Is it normal to feel emotional before labour?
Absolutely. Those final days are a mix of excitement, nervousness, and impatience. Your hormones are shifting, and you’re about to meet your baby .It’s a lot! Be gentle with yourself.

Q5: Should I rush to the hospital as soon as I notice signs?
Not necessarily. Most providers suggest the “5-1-1” rule for first-time mamas: contractions are 5 minutes apart, lasting 1 minute each, for at least 1 hour. But if you’re unsure or feel uneasy, call your provider anytime.