Is This It?! 7 Real Signs Labor Is Coming (That No One Warned Me About)

From weird twinges to the bloody show, here's what really happens when it's go time.

So... Is This Labor or Just Gas? A FTM's Guide to Figuring It TF Out

Okay, mama—let's talk about that moment. You're 38 weeks pregnant, lying in bed or waddling through Target, and suddenly your body does something weird. A cramp, a pop, a did-I-just-pee situation. You freeze. Is this it? Is this THE moment? Or did you just overdo it on Chipotle?

Welcome to the late pregnancy mind games. If you're anything like me (and most of the mamas I text at 2am), you've been asking questions like: "Wait, what's the difference between a Braxton Hicks and a real contraction?" or "How am I supposed to know if it's my mucus plug or just... a weird discharge day?" First-time labor is a wild ride, and honestly? No one talks enough about how freaking confusing it can be. That's why we're breaking down the signs of labor—what they are, what they aren't, and how to tell when it's go-time versus nap-time.

1. The Bloody Show (aka the Least Glamorous Sign Ever)

Don't let the name freak you out. The "bloody show" is literally just your body evicting the mucus plug that's been sealing your cervix shut for months. Think of it like your cervix's security system saying, "Alright, show's about to start."

What it looks like:
A streaky, jelly-like discharge that may be tinged pink, red, or brown. It can come out all at once or gradually over a couple of trips to the bathroom. Some people miss it entirely. Others? It's like, Oh, hi there, horror movie vibes.

What it means:
Your cervix is dilating or thinning (effacing). It's progress—but it doesn't necessarily mean labor is happening today. You could go into labor in a few hours, or it could still be a few days.

What to do:
Take a deep breath. Maybe toss a towel in the car and double-check that hospital bag. Let your provider know at your next appointment, but no need to call them unless it's a lot of blood (like a period) or paired with severe pain.

2. Water Breaking Isn't Always Hollywood-Style

I'll be honest—I was fully waiting for a dramatic gush in the middle of Whole Foods. Instead, mine was more like… a warm trickle and a "Did I just pee?" panic. Spoiler alert: Your water breaking isn't always obvious. And it doesn't always mean it's baby time right now.

What it looks/smells like:
A gush or steady leak of fluid that's clear or slightly pink. It doesn't smell like pee (that's your biggest clue). Some people feel a "pop," others just feel damp. It can keep leaking, especially when you move or stand up.

What it means:
Your amniotic sac has ruptured, and labor is likely close. About 10% of labors start this way, and contractions usually follow within hours. Once your water breaks, the risk of infection goes up, so most providers want to see you within 6–12 hours max—sooner if you're Group B Strep positive.

What to do:
Note the time, color, and smell of the fluid. Call your provider and follow their guidance. And yes, wear a pad. Not a tampon. You're not trying to plug a leak—you're just trying to keep your leggings dry.

3. Contractions: Is This Labor or Just Practice?

Braxton Hicks contractions had me so sure I was going into labor like three times. Spoiler: They were false alarms. Braxton Hicks are your uterus doing warm-up drills. Real contractions are the main event—and they come with a different kind of intensity.

Braxton Hicks feel like:
Tightening across your belly, kind of like your bump is flexing. They're usually irregular, not super painful, and stop when you change positions or drink water.

Real contractions feel like:
Menstrual cramps on steroids. They start mild but get longer, stronger, and closer together. You'll start tracking them and realize: "Oh crap, these are five minutes apart. And OUCH."

What to do:
Use the 5-1-1 rule: If contractions are 5 minutes apart, lasting 1 minute each, and have been happening for at least 1 hour, it's time to call your provider or head in. But every hospital is different—some want you sooner, some later—so ask what they recommend.

Pro tip: You don't need a fancy app to time them, but it does make it easier when you're moaning into a pillow and trying not to curse out your partner for breathing too loud.

This Happened and I Wasn't Ready…

I was 39 weeks, sitting on the couch, half-watching a baking show and eating peanut butter straight from the jar. I stood up to pee for the millionth time and... felt a pop. Not dramatic. Not painful. Just a weird shift. My water broke quietly. And contractions? They didn't start for another hour.

I didn't have my bag zipped. I wasn't mentally ready. But guess what? My body knew what to do. And yours will too—even if your brain is in full panic mode.

TL;DR for My Exhausted Mamas:

• Bloody show = cervical progress. Not a red alert, but it's a sign.
• Water breaking = call your provider. Could mean hours or less before labor kicks in.
• Braxton Hicks = annoying fakes.
• Real contractions = intense, rhythmic, and they don't quit.

Mama, you've got this. And if you're still unsure? Call your provider. That's what they're there for. Better a "false alarm" than waiting too long.

And hey—don't forget to eat something before you go in. I still regret not sneaking in that burrito 🌯

We got this.