Pregnancy Labor & Delivery Cramping and Other Signs of Early Labor in Pregnancy By Wendy Wisner Updated on October 10, 2024 Medically reviewed by Alyssa Dweck, MS, MD, FACOG Close Parents / Getty Images As your due date approaches, it's common to wonder if every little twinge you're experiencing is a sign of early labor. For example, is cramping a sign of labor? What about nausea or lower back pain? Thankfully, the body has a few clear ways of hinting that you'll be meeting your baby soon. Not every pregnant person experiences all of these symptoms—and some people experience almost no signs of early labor—but here's what might happen as you edge closer to the finish line. What Is Early Labor? Labor happens in multiple stages. During early labor, which usually lasts 12 to 24 hours, or even a little longer, your body is doing a lot of preparation for delivery, including cervical dilation and effacement. Early labor symptoms are more subtle than those of active labor, when it's hard to concentrate on anything else but getting through your contractions. Signs of Early Labor Some pregnant people experience many signs of early labor, while others have such subdued symptoms that they don't even know it's happening. Possible signs of early labor include: ContractionsCrampsLosing your mucus plugWater breakingLightning crotchLower back painNausea, diarrhea, or the urge to use the bathroomLoose jointsNesting Contractions Contractions typically start in early labor. Unlike Braxton Hicks, true labor contractions come at regular intervals, and they get more frequent and stronger as labor progress. Also, nothing you do can stop them. Cramping One of the most common signs of early labor is cramps, says Meagan Moore, MD, an OB-GYN, at MemorialCare Orange Coast Medical Center in Fountain Valley, California. These may feel intense, and some people describe them as worsening Braxton Hicks contractions, says Dr. Moore. Alternately, you may not feel cramps at all. "While many anticipate painful uterine contractions as a sign of labor, some may only detect an increase in pelvic pressure as their first sign of labor," says Dr. Moore. Losing your mucus plug During pregnancy, your mucus plug guards the opening of the cervix against bacteria and germs. But as labor gets closer and the cervix softens and dilates, the plug begins to come out. This usually happens over a series of days. The mucus plug may look whitish, clear, or pink, and it might be accompanied by blood ("the bloody show"). Sometimes losing your mucus plug means labor is imminent—but often, you won't go into labor for a week or two. Water breaking Most of us think of the water breaking as the "classic" sign of labor starting, but only about 8 to 10% of parents will have their water break (membranes rupture) before contractions start. Water breaking looks different for everyone, with some people experiencing a big gush of water, and others noticing a gentle trickle. Either way, if your water breaks, you'll likely go into labor within the next 24 hours. Lightning crotch A lesser-known but common sign of labor is "lightning crotch," explains Amy Wetter, MD, OB-GYN at Northside Women's Specialists, part of Pediatrix Medical Group, in Atlanta. This happens as your baby moves down lower into your pelvis, and is often felt as a sharp, shooting pain deep in the pelvis. Some parents describe it as a pain that comes out of nowhere, like a bolt of lightning, which is how this symptom gets its name. Lower back pain Besides cramps and contractions, you may experience pain or pressure in your lower back. Often, this is a new onset of back pain, close to when labor starts, says Dr. Moore. "Very often the position of the baby will determine whether a patient will experience abdominal pain versus lower back pain," she explains. Nausea, diarrhea, and the urge to use the bathroom Shortly before giving birth, some parents develop symptoms that resemble an upset stomach or tummy bug. You may experience fatigue, diarrhea, nausea, and a sudden urge to use the bathroom during early labor, says Dr. Wetter. This is partly because your baby is pressing right on your rectum, she says. These symptoms often happen 24 to 48 hours before active labor starts. Loose joints The hormone relaxin makes ligaments loosen up throughout pregnancy, and more of it is released closer to delivery. This is believed to be why many report feeling more relaxed joints before labor. Nesting You may have heard about nesting, which is a deep desire to get your home ready for your baby. Dr. Moore says this urge often presents around the time of early labor. Studies have found that it's common, and it may have evolved in humans as a means of survival and protection. Can You Be in Labor and Not Know It? Yes, it's possible to be in early labor without knowing it, says Dr. Moore. "Increases in pelvic pressure or irregular contractions may be something experienced off and on for several weeks, making it difficult to know exactly when it's time to seek medical advice," she says. This is partly why you're seen so often in those last few weeks of pregnancy; it's not uncommon to learn that you're closer to labor than expected. What To Do if You Think You’re in Labor If you're not sure whether you're in labor but are feeling symptoms, you should call your medical provider. They will let you know when to head to the hospital, birthing center, or medical office for evaluation. It's also smart to time your contractions. During early labor, your contractions are about 5 to 10 minutes apart and last about 30 to 70 seconds. They get stronger and closer together, and it feels impossible to talk or walk when they're happening. Seek medical care immediately for any concerning symptoms, which might include: Heavy bleeding Dizziness Chest pain Shortness of breath Sudden or severe swelling Decreased fetal movement Severe nausea Updated by Anna Halkidis Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit Sources Parents uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Stages of Labor. StatPearls [Internet]. Updated 2023. How to Tell When Labor Begins. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Ruptured Membranes: When the Bag of Water Breaks. Journal of Midwifery & Women's Health. 2016. Evidence of a nesting psychology during human pregnancy. Evolution and Human Behavior. 2013.