As you near your due date, you may experience irregular uterine contractions that come and go, not occurring too frequently. These are called Braxton Hicks contractions, which are often referred to as “practice” contractions. If you rest or take it easy, these contractions will usually subside. However, the following signs indicate that actual labor may be imminent:
- Vaginal bleeding: While it’s normal to have some white mucus discharge, if you notice blood mixed with mucus, you should go to the hospital immediately.
- Fluid leakage: If you experience a large amount of clear fluid leaking from your vagina, such as soaking through your skirt or sarong, whether sitting or lying down, it is amniotic fluid. This indicates that your water has broken or is leaking, and you should go to the hospital right away.
- Abdominal cramping: Persistent abdominal pain or cramping that radiates to your lower back, becoming increasingly frequent—every 4-5 minutes, with contractions lasting about 40-50 seconds followed by a 4-5 minute break—suggests that true labor has begun. In this case, you should head to the hospital as soon as possible.
If you experience any of these signs, or a combination of them, such as after your water breaks or you notice clear fluid leakage, labor is likely starting. Make sure to visit the hospital promptly.
It is also advisable to prepare essential items for your baby in advance, including clothes, diapers, mittens, blankets, towels, shirts, bottles, bottle cleaning supplies, bath equipment, a bathtub, sponges or washcloths, soap, shampoo, a changing pad, and a crib mattress with its cover.
