For all we know about pregnancy and birth, no one can predict when your labor will begin.

Your body may go through physical changes several days before it starts. You may notice that the baby has dropped and given you more room for breathing—this is called “lightening.” The flip side to the relief in breathing easily again is that the baby is now pressing on your bladder, sending you running to the bathroom more often. You may pass a mucus plug that is gloppy in consistency—this plug was in your cervix and protected your baby from infections.

Be Prepared

Since labor can begin anytime toward the end of your pregnancy, it’s smart to have your travel bag ready to go at least a month before your due date. Set aside those items you want to help you through birthing, such as a music player, aromatherapy oils or lotions, hair ties or clips, and your own pillow.

Have your partner’s bag ready too, including a toothbrush, a change of clothes and some non-perishable snacks. And don’t forget to bring the baby’s bag and car seat.

Remember this is your labor and birth. If the nurse caring for you doesn’t seem to be a good fit for how you want your labor to unfold then request another nurse. The secret all nurses know is that the nurse who enters your room to care for you was selected by chance. It was her turn to take a patient and it just happens to be you.

Stay flexible and you will ultimately meet your goals for a healthy labor, birth and baby.

Signs of labor

It helps to learn the signs and symptoms of labor; you may experience one or any of the following when your labor is preparing to start.

• Lower back ache
• Menstrual-like cramps (contractions, pains or waves) that become regular and stronger
• A sudden gush or slow trickle of clear vaginal fluid
• Pinkish vaginal discharge
• Passing a thick mucus plug

You may have any of these signs and rush to the hospital only to find out you’re not in true labor, and you get sent back home to gestate more. With false labor, your contractions will be inconsistent and your nurses will notice that your cervix isn’t opening or changing.

Get Checked

You should always go to where you’ll give birth if you experience any of the following symptoms or changes.

• Your water breaks
• You have bright red vaginal bleeding that’s more than spotting
• Contractions that last longer than a minute with little relief between
• Persistent headache, vision changes or heartburn that doesn’t go away
• Your baby seems to be moving less than usual.