What are the signs in the days before labour?

Loss of the mucus plug 

Physical changes are the first visible signs in the expectant mother. One of the most common signs in the days before labour is the loss of the mucus plug, which helps protect the baby during pregnancy. It is a gelatinous substance that seals the cervix throughout pregnancy. The mucus plug can detach at any point in the days or weeks before labour begins, though in some cases it is only released once labour is already under way.

Contractions before labour

Another sign that labour may be approaching is the appearance of Braxton Hicks contractions — irregular but sometimes more frequent and intense than usual. Although these are not yet labour contractions, they indicate to the mother that the uterus is preparing itself. They occur unpredictably, with varying durations and intensities, without a defined rhythm, and do not contribute to cervical dilation. Generally, they gradually ease off, disappear, and may reappear at times.

Use the following questions to help you distinguish between Braxton Hicks contractions and labour contractions:

• Are they regular? Time them from the start of one to the start of the next. Look for a rhythm that becomes closer together over time. Labour contractions are generally spaced 2 to 5 minutes apart. Braxton Hicks contractions can come and go without any particular pattern.
• How long do they last? Time the duration of each contraction. Labour contractions last approximately 60 to 90 seconds.
• Do they stop? Labour contractions continue no matter what you do. They also continue whether you stand up, sit down or lie down. Braxton Hicks contractions can stop when you walk, rest or change position.
• Are they getting stronger? Labour contractions intensify over time and it becomes difficult to speak during them. Braxton Hicks contractions are generally mild. They may also start quite intense and then ease off.

Changes to the cervix 

It may also begin to open slightly — something that only a medical examination can confirm. This will in particular be identified during the vaginal examination carried out by the doctor. This makes it possible to determine the position, tone, length and degree of opening. 

Increased vaginal discharge

Many women notice an increase in vaginal discharge (leucorrhoea) during pregnancy. Sometimes this discharge increases considerably in the weeks and days before the birth, as your body prepares for your baby's arrival. Leucorrhoea plays an essential role in the self-cleansing of the vagina.

Other signs in the days before labour 

At the same time, the baby descends into the pelvis, creating a sense of lightness around the ribcage but increased pressure on the perineum and bladder. This process is often accompanied by lower back pain or cramps in the lower abdomen. This pressure also makes you feel the need to urinate more frequently. 

Some women also notice digestive changes, such as diarrhoea or nausea, brought on by increased hormonal activity and the baby descending into the pelvis. 

The end of pregnancy signals your body to release more relaxin hormone, which loosens your joints and ligaments in preparation for the birth. In the days leading up to labour, you may notice that your pelvic and lumbar joints feel more supple and relaxed.

All of these are signs that labour may be imminent, but they can also occur earlier and precede the due date.

The body is not the only one sending signals: the mind is preparing too. The signs in the days before labour include an unusual emotional instability. A woman may feel a sense of excitement, impatience, a great deal of energy, but also a certain anxiety linked to the unknown.

This phase is sometimes marked by very active behaviour and a surge of energy. This is known as nesting instinct, where the need to tidy, clean or prepare the home becomes almost obsessive.

It is also common to experience heightened emotional sensitivity. Tears may come for no apparent reason, and doubts may arise about one's ability to give birth or care for one's baby.

These emotional states are perfectly normal and are part of the signs that birth is near. As she prepares to give birth, a woman may feel a deep sense of calm, as if her body knows the moment is close. Others go through a real phase of "despair", marked by a loss of emotional control — a typical indicator of the transition to active labour, and therefore a sign that birth is imminent.

It is essential to be able to distinguish the signs that appear a few days before birth (pre-labour) from the clear symptoms of active labour beginning. 

Pre-labour

Pre-labour can begin several days, or even a week, before the birth. It manifests through signs in the days leading up to delivery. These include irregular contractions, often not very painful, that do not increase in intensity. The cervix may soften and begin to shorten, but without significant dilation. This is a preparatory phase, not a cause for concern, which can be experienced at home in a calm environment.

Active labour 

Active labour, for its part, sets in when contractions become regular, painful, and frequent (every 5 to 10 minutes), lasting between 40 and 60 seconds. 

It is also at this point that the cervix begins to dilate significantly (3 cm or more). 

The breaking of waters, although sometimes absent, is a common sign that labour is approaching. 

These signs are considered indicators of imminent birth and require heading to the maternity unit or contacting a healthcare professional promptly (doctor, midwife, etc.). 

The transition between pre-labour and active labour can be gradual or sudden, depending on the woman and the pregnancy.

It is possible to support a labour induction naturally. 

First, there is the membrane sweep, which is generally performed in the absence of a medical emergency. During a pelvic examination, the healthcare professional can perform this procedure by sliding their fingers between the amniotic sac and the wall of the uterus. This separation may stimulate the release of prostaglandins — naturally occurring chemical substances — which may trigger labour. This procedure can also irritate the cervix, thereby encouraging the onset of contractions.

Furthermore,pregnancy acupuncture also forms part of the effective techniques to encourage relaxation and dilation. 

Another technique to support a natural birth, is the consumption of raspberry leaf tea, which is very effective in late pregnancy. Please note, even the best pregnancy supplements won't work miracles. Finally, dates are also said to be helpful according to some traditional tips for encouraging baby to arrive sooner. Studies suggest you need to eat around 6 per day... Other suggestions include: exercising, keeping active, having sex, and so on. 

Although many signs in the days before labour can be experienced at home, certain situations require a prompt response. 

Some symptoms require immediate medical attention:

• contractions every 5 minutes for 1 hour,
• you are less than 37 weeks pregnant and think you may be in labour, 
• rupture of membranes (a continuous flow of clear amniotic fluid),
• heavy vaginal bleeding,
• your baby is moving less than usual,
• constant pain in the lower abdomen or back accompanied by fever or feeling unwell (risk of premature birth).

In these situations, it is essential to contact a doctor or midwife to assess the risks and prepare for your journey to the maternity unit.

Recognising the signs a few days before birth — whether physical or emotional — helps you better anticipate and navigate this intense period. These signs that birth is approaching, then that it is imminent, alert you when your body is preparing for the big day.

If in doubt, never hesitate to contact a healthcare professional: every birth is unique, and your wellbeing as well as your baby's are what matter most.