If your due date is approaching soon, you may be wondering what are the first signs that you’re going into labor. Some labor symptoms are easy to tell and some are surprising! You convinced yourself that you’re so ready to give birth and you are super excited to finally meet your little one. Even if this is your first, second  or third pregnancy, knowing if you’re actually going into labor can sometimes be a little tricky.

You already took care of your third trimester to do list, your mind is saying ” get this baby out” but is your body saying the same thing? There are also fun and natural ways you can induce your labor! Just incase 😉

 Find out the first early signs that labor is approaching. Some of these ways you might have been expecting and know about but some might even surprise you, it did with me as a first time mama 😉

Want to know if you’re going into labor? Read on!

7 surprising ways to know if you’re going into labor

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliated links for your convenience!

1.Water breaking

One pretty good sign that you’re going into labor is your water breaking. Your baby is surrounded by your amniotic sac which is filled with fluid. When your water breaks it just mean that your amniotic sac has ruptured and you’re that much closer to giving birth. 

My water didn’t break with my first born and I was really sad about it because I wanted to feel what it was like to have your water break. With my twin pregnancy I heard like a balloon pop and then felt the gush flowing down on me. It was pretty awesome.

fun books to read:

2.Back pain

Another good indication that you’re going into labor is if you’re experiencing bad back pain. This may cause you to loose sleep or feel uncomfortable when sleeping. Also, back pain can be in fact true labor contractions!

With my twin pregnancy, I noticed an increase in back pain a week before going into labor, so just keep that in mind 🙂

Make sure to check out this online birthing class! To make sure you’re ready and know what to expect during labor! Best online class for new moms to be. Click here to learn more!

3.Contractions are closer together and more intense

When you’re going into labor you will notice that your contractions are going to be closer together and with more intensity. You’re contractions will come and go every 5 minutes or less and no matter what you do, it will not relieve or make the contractions go away.

Braxton Hicks contractions, also known as “false labor” are usually painless and irregular. Do not confuse it with real labor contractions.

Video on signs of labor:

Read this next:

25 PHENOMENAL WAYS DADS TO BE CAN SUPPORT THEIR PARTNER DURING LABOR

4 EASY WAYS TO INDUCE LABOR NATURALLY

4.Bloody show

First what is a mucus plug?

The mucus plug serves as a protection barrier that seals your cervix. It Protects your baby from any contact to the outside world until you’re ready to give birth.

Bloody show is mucus with a slight pink, brown color with blood. Having a bloody show is an indication that your cervix is beginning to dilate. Which mean you are starting to go into labor!

I had a bloody show with my twin pregnancy, right after my water broke. I gave birth 3 hours later via C-section.

5.Baby “settling”

In your last weeks of pregnancy, you will notice that your baby will move lower into your abdominal. This is because your baby is settling into your pelvis and getting ready for birth. You will most likely be going to the bathroom more often than before, since your baby is putting pressure on your bladder. If you notice that your baby is “dropping”, you are that much closer to going into labor.

I can say that with my first pregnancy, everyone around me noticed when my baby was “dropping” and would point out to me that I was almost going into labor. It’s so interesting how other people can tell just by looking at your baby bump!

Get ready for life with a newborn baby with “The first time mom guide”. I wrote this ebook just for you. Rock your first year of being a mom and what to expect! Read here!

6.Diarrhea 

Did you know that during the early signs of labor your body releases prostaglandins? Yup! These hormone like substances may hyperstimulate your bowels making you go to the bathroom more often and even causing you to have diarrhea. 

If you’re close to your due date and are experiencing diarrhea or feeling nauseas, then my friend you are soon going into labor. 

Read this next:

10 THINGS TO DO WHEN YOU START HAVING LABOR CONTRACTIONS

7 ONLINE PREGNANCY CLASSES YOU CAN ACTUALLY TAKE DURING QUARANTINE AND ISOLATION!

 7. Nesting

Start nesting, organizing and preparing for your baby’s arrival with this fun baby prep workbook! 

 Finding yourself with a lot of energy and the sudden urge of cleaning your house, washing your baby’s newborn clothes and getting everything ready around the house for your new arrival? Then this is a good indication that you are going into labor soon.

Nesting is real, I did it with both of my pregnancies and everyone that I know have done it too! Before you start nesting, are you prepared with these important things before your baby arrives?

Keep in mind

If you are experiencing any of these signs early in your pregnancy, I would advise you to please call your doctor. You might be going into pre-term labor.

Every pregnant woman is different and may experience some, all or none of the things mentioned above. But to be on the safe side, I hope that you keep these 7 surprising ways to know if you’re going into labor in mind. 

Let’s recap:

Take notice if all of a sudden you start having back pain, diarrhea, you start feeling your contractions increasing in pain and getting closer together or if you have a bloody show. These are all signs that you are indeed going into labor.

These 7 surprising ways to know if you’re going into labor is a great way for you to be alert and learn what to look out for. Do not be nervous and makes sure you to do this check list of the things to do when you start having labor contractions.

Labor can last for two, three or even 24 hours. Be prepared, stay calm and get excited because your baby is coming!