Every aspect of pregnancy – symptoms, labor-pain and childbirth, et al – is an altogether different story. Yet, there are certain underlying similarities between them and they exhibit some common signs. The same can be said of the signs of labor.

The first and foremost sign of labor is the Braxton Hicks contractions. At term, 37 weeks or more, an expecting mother starts having frequent and regular contractions. Although these contractions start pretty early towards the beginning of the third trimester, they tend to become stronger in intensity and stay longer when the true labor starts.

The contractions, in effect, cause the cervix to dilate, easing childbirth. This process has been medically termed as the ripening of the cervix and is characterized by the softening as well as thinning out of the cervix.

In the advanced stage, the baby drops lower into the pelvis (some women even experience this dropping). Consequently, a pregnant woman experiences an increased pressure in the pelvic region.

Mucus discharge is another symptom of labor. Sometimes the mucus has hints of blood in it and appears a bit brownish, pink, or even red.

Water break, leakage of the amniotic fluid, is rather an alarming sign of labor! It is a cause of great concern for both the mother’s and the baby’s well being – the mother is at the risk of developing infection and the child may be adversely affected. This as well as a drop in the baby’s activity in the womb should signal a quick consultation with the gynecologist.