Published 04/29/2025
Updated 10/21/2025
8-minutes read!
Pregnancy is a beautiful journey filled with anticipation, especially as you enter the final stretch. Recognizing the early signs of labor can help you feel more in control and better prepared. This guide explores the different stages of labor and offers insights on the signs that labor is near, how long contractions last, and when to head to the hospital.
Labor typically unfolds in three phases: early, active, and transition.
Early Labor: The cervix begins to dilate and efface. You may feel mild, irregular contractions.
Active Labor: Contractions become more frequent and intense, and the cervix dilates more rapidly.
Transition: The final and most intense phase before pushing begins.
Recognizing how labor progresses and understanding each stage can help you prepare both physically and emotionally.
You might notice your baby settling lower into your pelvis—this is called lightening. It can happen a few weeks or just hours before labor starts.
Also known as practice contractions, Braxton Hicks contractions are irregular, intermittent contractions that can occur anytime during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy. As pregnancy progresses, they may become more noticeable but do not increase in intensity or regularity.
Real vs. False Labor: Unlike true labor contractions, Braxton Hicks contractions do not cause cervical dilation and do not lead to birth.
Tracking: If contractions become more frequent and start to occur at regular intervals with increasing intensity, they may indicate the beginning of true labor.
One of the initial signs of labor is the loss of your mucus plug. Light spotting near the end of pregnancy can be part of losing your mucus plug, known as the “bloody show.”
Meaning: The cervix is beginning to open
Timing: Labor could start soon, or it could still be days away
Learn what’s normal and when to call your provider in our guide to spotting in pregnancy.
Many women experience a sudden desire to clean or organize before labor.
Why it happens: It’s a hormonal shift and part of the body's preparation
What it means: While not a clinical sign, it’s one of the common signs and symptoms of labor
Unlike Braxton Hicks, real labor contractions are consistent, grow stronger, and get closer together.
Timing tips: Use the 5-1-1 rule (contractions every 5 minutes, lasting 1 minute, for 1 hour)
Next step: Call your provider when you meet this pattern
This can be a gush or a slow trickle of amniotic fluid.
What to look for: Clear, odorless fluid
What to do: Head to the hospital or call your healthcare provider immediately
Cramping and radiating pain in the lower back can be an indicator of labor.
Different from typical pain: This pain has a rhythm and intensifies. If you’re concerned about discomfort during contractions or delivery, our article on labor pain management shares methods to make the process more manageable.
Significance: It can mark the transition from early to active labor
In early labor, contractions usually last 30–45 seconds and are spaced 5–30 minutes apart. As you move into active labor, they lengthen to about 45–60 seconds and come every 3–5 minutes. During transition (the most intense phase before pushing), contractions often last 60–90 seconds and come as close as every 2–3 minutes.
One of the clearest signs labor is near is that contractions don’t just appear — they become longer, stronger, and closer together over time. With all of that said, how long labor lasts is very individual — every pregnancy and birth unfolds on its own timeline.
Knowing the right time to go can ease anxiety. Here’s what to consider:
Regular Contractions: Every 5 minutes for at least an hour
Water Breaks: Even without contractions
Special Circumstances: If you have a high-risk pregnancy, are carrying multiples, or have had previous fast labor
Other Concerns: Heavy bleeding, severe pain, or unusual third-trimester discharge
We’ve created a free, downloadable Hospital Bag Checklist to help you stay organized and calm when it’s go-time.
Grab your Hospital Bag Checklist here
Wondering what the earliest signs of labor or can feeling nauseous be a sign of labor? Yes - nausea, lower back pain, and losing the mucus plug are all normal indicators that labor may be near.
Trust your instincts, keep your provider informed, and know that your body was built for this. Beyond recognizing labor signs, having a clear birth plan can help you feel more confident and ensure your wishes are respected during delivery. We’ve created a detailed birth plan guide to walk you through the steps and considerations. The more prepared you are, the more empowered you'll feel when it's time to welcome your baby.
Hutchison, J., Mahdy, H., Jenkins, S. M., & Hutchison, J. (2025). Normal labor: Physiology, evaluation, and management. In StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing. Bookshelf ID NBK544290. [NCBI]
Raines, D. A., & Cooper, D. B. (2023). Braxton Hicks contractions. In StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing. Bookshelf ID NBK470546. [NCBI]
Becher, N., Adams Waldorf, K., Hein, M., & Uldbjerg, N. (2010). The cervical mucus plug: Structured review of the literature. Acta Obstetricia et Gynecologica Scandinavica, 88(5), 502–513. [OBGYN]
Cleveland Clinic. (n.d.). Braxton Hicks contractions. In Cleveland Clinic [Internet]. Cleveland Clinic. [Cleveland Clinic]
MedlinePlus. (n.d.). What to expect during labor and delivery. In MedlinePlus [Internet]. National Library of Medicine. [Medline Plus]
Pampers. (n.d.). How to time contractions. In Pampers [Internet]. Pampers. [Pampers]
NHS. (n.d.). Signs that labour has already begun. In NHS [Internet]. NHS UK. [NHS UK]
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Shiami is a seasoned digital and content marketing professional with over a decade of experience. Passionate about storytelling, she specializes in transforming complex topics into easy-to-understand, conversational, and bite-sized pieces that resonate with readers. A relentless advocate for exceptional user experience, Shiami stays at the forefront of trends through continuous research and learning, ensuring her content educates, inspires, and builds meaningful connections. As a mother, she draws from her personal experiences to create content that is not only informative but deeply valuable to her audience.
Shiami is a seasoned digital and content marketing professional with over a decade of experience. Passionate about storytelling, she specializes in transforming complex topics into easy-to-understand, conversational, and bite-sized pieces that resonate with readers. A relentless advocate for exceptional user experience, Shiami stays at the forefront of trends through continuous research and learning, ensuring her content educates, inspires, and builds meaningful connections. As a mother, she draws from her personal experiences to create content that is not only informative but deeply valuable to her audience.
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