Signs That Labor is 24 to 48 Hours Away: It is important for pregnant women to know the signs of labor to look out for before they prepare to rush to the hospital. By becoming familiar with signs of labor you will ensure that you are experiencing the actual labor symptoms, as many times it may be a false alarm.  It is, therefore, a good idea to get acquainted with the labor signs and to know what to do in each case.

Each unusual sensation will likely make you wonder if you are in labor, and you will probably pay close attention to your body. For most first-time moms, not knowing the answer to the question “does this sign mean my labor is starting?” can be frustrating. This can be a very overwhelming experience.

When you know what signs to look for to know whether you’re in labor, you don’t have to try to read your body to find out if it’s time. This will allow you to enjoy the final preparations for your baby’s arrival. In preparation for the birth of your baby, you will start to notice several symptoms.

Signs That Labor is 24 to 48 Hours Away

1.     Mucous Plug Loss

Mucous plugs are thick milky white opaque discharges produced during pregnancy as a barrier to bacteria entering your uterus. Often, mucous plugs are lost during pregnancy, as women prepare for labor, but they can also be lost in fragments during pregnancy and then regrow. This is sometimes one of the signs that labor is 24 to 48 hours away and that your baby will soon arrive. However, this alone is not a confirming sign that you are in labor.

2.     Diarrhea or Loose Stools

There is a chance you will experience loose stools or diarrhea before labor since there will be a surge of hormones called prostaglandins. In response to these hormones, your digestive tract has to clear all the spaces inside in order to accommodate the baby.

It is also possible to experience loose stools along with stomach upset or cramps. If this is happening, it may be a sign that labor has started. However, it’s not necessarily something that should send you to the hospital or wherever you are giving birth until you actually feel labor start. If you, however, end up going to the hospital because of diarrhea then,

It’s more likely that you have a stomach bug. The majority of the time, frequent soft bowel movements at the end of your pregnancy mean your body is working towards the birth of the baby.

3.     Cramps or Nausea

A lot of pregnant women describe feeling crampy and nauseated during the early part of their labor. It’s all part of your body’s preparation for labor. You’ll feel cramps while your body works internally. Several women report feeling nauseous or having a reduced appetite due to all of the changes taking place on the inside.

There are usually first signs that pregnant women experience that get them focused on their approaching labors. However, these signs do not necessarily mean that they are in labor; they could mean that your body is simply doing all the prep work before the labor begins, which is still a great sign and a good place to be heading into labor.

4.     Amniotic Fluid Leaking

If there is a leak of amniotic fluid or if the membranes rupture, amniotic fluid will pour out. While this is an indicator that your labor will begin soon, it doesn’t necessarily mean that you are in labor at the moment. Premature rupture of membranes occurs when your water breaks before labor starts.

It is worth noting that water releases can be a sign of pre-labor or a sign that labor has begun and the baby will soon be on its way.

5.     Contractions that progress

The most telling sign that you are experiencing labor is contractions. Perhaps you are already having surges that make it feel like labor is starting. It is, however, the most reliable sign of labor when you experience progressing contractions.

You may have been experiencing contractions that were sometimes intense and milder early on. These would be relatively short, perhaps a minute long, happening at intervals of 15 minutes or even five minutes, but not super intense or powerful. In both cases, non-progressing contractions are an excellent indicator that labor has started.

Contractions vary in intensity from time to time. During pre-labor, contractions of this kind are common and can last for several days or only for a few hours. If labor has really begun, you will notice that your surges become more frequent, stronger, and longer than they were when you began; this is true whether your surges were every five minutes or every twenty minutes, and whether they were relaxed for a minute or 20 seconds.

The biggest sign to look for in your own unique labor is that the contractions are becoming more powerful and requiring you to put more energy into focusing and managing the sensations.

RELATED: Ovulation Cramps vs Implantation Cramps: How to Recognize the Difference

Final Thought

When combined with progressing contractions, the above signs become a very reliable indication that labor is 24 to 48 hours away or less. Even though the other signs mentioned suggest labor may be underway, if they are accompanied by contractions, it becomes a sure sign that your baby is on its way.

It is often a good idea to go about your daily routine as much as possible during the early phase of labor. Try to rest as much as possible.

Make sure you pay attention to how much water you’re releasing. No matter whether it’s a leak or a gush, you’ll want to notify your care provider. This will allow you to make the most informed and safest decisions about your birth.

The anticipation of the arrival of your baby is such a joyful and exciting time and your patience as you face these late third-trimester pregnancy symptoms is the best gift you can give your child. It is not unusual for some women to overlook even the most significant symptoms associated with labor, thinking that it is normal during pregnancy. When experiencing any signs and symptoms of labor, you should contact your doctor at the earliest opportunity to avoid complications.