13 Weird Signs Labor Is Near (Plus More Common Ones)

As your due date approaches, it’s natural to obsess over every cramp, twinge, or mood swing. The classic signs, like regular contractions or your water breaking, are familiar. But what about the not-so-obvious ones?

Believe it or not, your body might be whispering subtle (and downright strange) signs that labor is closer than you think.

In this guide, we’re breaking down 13 weird signs labor is near, including surprising things like fatigue, nausea, and emotional outbursts. We’ll also touch on uncommon signs of labor, overviews of typical symptoms, and what to do if you’re not quite sure what your body’s telling you. Spoiler: Yes, headaches before labor can be a thing [*]. And yes, silent labor is real [*].

13 Weird Signs Labor Is Near

From sudden exhaustion to weird dreams and crying spells, your body might be sending signals that the big day is close. Here are 13 surprising symptoms that could mean labor is just around the corner.

1. Extreme Fatigue or Exhaustion

You might feel like you’ve hit a wall, even if you slept 10 hours the night before. This sudden fatigue before labor is real, and it’s your body’s way of conserving energy before the marathon of childbirth begins. Some women report intense drowsiness in the day or two leading up to labor, even if they had a burst of energy a few days earlier [*].

This exhaustion is often different from the everyday third-trimester tiredness. It can feel like a heavy, sudden need to rest and withdraw — almost like your body instinctively knows it needs to store up energy for what's coming [*]. Don’t fight it. Resting now may actually help you manage labor more effectively.

2. Nesting… Then Crashing

Nesting is a common late-pregnancy symptom, but an abrupt shift from energetic cleaning to feeling totally wiped out can signal labor is near. Hormonal fluctuations are to blame — and can swing fast [*].

It’s not uncommon to feel obsessed with organizing, only to suddenly lose all motivation within hours. This shift may be your body preparing for labor by first amping up adrenaline and then pushing you to conserve [*].

3. Loose Stools or Mild Diarrhea

Increased prostaglandin production before labor can stimulate your bowels [*]. If you're suddenly running to the bathroom more than usual, it might mean your body's clearing out to make way for baby.

While not pleasant, it’s a natural way for the body to reduce discomfort during delivery. Just be sure to stay hydrated and let your provider know if it becomes excessive.

4. Menstrual-Like Cramps

These can be mild and persistent, or come and go. They often indicate that your cervix is thinning and dilating. It's not the same as active labor — but it’s a heads-up that your body is gearing up [*][*].

These cramps may also radiate into your lower back and thighs, resembling period pain more than contraction pain. Timing them can help distinguish between warm-up signs and true labor [*].

5. Weird Dreams or Insomnia

Vivid, emotional dreams — sometimes even birth dreams — are common in late pregnancy [*]. Hormonal shifts and rising adrenaline levels (which your body produces before labor) can disrupt sleep and lead to insomnia [*].

It can be frustrating, but this sleeplessness might serve a purpose. Some believe it’s nature’s way of acclimating you to the irregular sleep you’ll experience after baby arrives.

6. Headaches

Some people experience headaches before labor, often tied to hormone changes, tension, or dehydration [*]. While mild headaches aren’t uncommon, persistent or severe headaches should always be discussed with your provider to rule out conditions like preeclampsia [*].

These pre-labor headaches may also stem from poor posture, eye strain, or inadequate rest. Drinking plenty of fluids, using a cold compress, or practicing gentle neck stretches may offer relief.

7. Sudden Clumsiness or Disconnection

Feel like your limbs aren’t cooperating or you're knocking everything over? Changes in your center of gravity and loosened joints might peak right before labor starts [*].

Some women even describe feeling “floaty” or mentally foggy. If your coordination suddenly dips, it might be your body’s signal to slow down and tune in.

8. Intense Emotional Swings

You may go from joyful tears to rage cleaning in minutes. Many women describe this as feeling “off” or unusually sensitive right before labor. This can be one of the weird things that happen before labor that are more hormonal than psychological [*].

Mood swings may mimic PMS on steroids. Let your support people know — emotional flux could mean baby is on the way [*].

9. Increased Vaginal Discharge or “The Mucus Plug”

This one’s messy but important. Losing your mucus plug or seeing a “bloody show” can be a very early indicator labor is days — or even hours — away [*].

While it's not a definitive sign (some people lose theirs weeks before labor), it's definitely worth noting, especially when paired with other symptoms [*].

10. Random Burst of Energy (Then... Nothing)

The nesting instinct is real, but it’s often followed by a noticeable energy drop. This surge and sudden stop could be your body doing last-minute prep [*].

Many moms describe this cycle as the calm before the storm. If your energy crashes, don’t panic — it might be time to rest before labor ramps up.

11. Nausea or Upset Stomach

Some women experience a return of morning sickness-type symptoms right before labor. Hormonal changes, pressure on the stomach, or nerves may all play a role [*].

You might also feel a decrease in appetite. Stick to light, easy-to-digest foods and stay hydrated. Ginger tea or peppermint can help soothe queasiness [*].

12. Sciatic Nerve Zaps or Pelvic Lightning

Sharp, shooting pains down your legs or in your groin? These “lightning crotch” sensations or nerve jolts can be a sign your baby is descending and putting pressure on nerves [*].

It’s uncomfortable, but usually short-lived. Pay attention if these zaps start to coincide with crampy sensations or pressure in your pelvis.

13. Crying Spells or Sudden Anxiety

Even if you’ve been feeling great emotionally, you may suddenly break down over something small, or nothing at all. This isn’t always a sign of emotional distress. Sometimes, it’s just hormones doing their thing [*][*].

Some women report a “deep knowing” that labor is about to begin. Trust your instincts.

Common Signs of Labor

While weird signs of labor are interesting, it’s essential to know what typical labor looks like, too [*][*].

Early Labor

• Backache or pelvic pressure: A dull ache that comes and goes.
• Mild, irregular contractions: These may feel like strong menstrual cramps and are often spaced apart.
• Bloody show or mucus plug loss: A signal that your cervix is beginning to dilate.

Active Labor

• Strong, regular contractions: Occurring every 3–5 minutes and lasting 45–60 seconds.
• Water breaking: A gush or slow leak of amniotic fluid.
• Cervical dilation: Confirmed during a check at your provider’s office or hospital.

Are Headaches a Sign of Labor?

Headaches can be part of the hormonal pre-labor rollercoaster [*]. But if you experience sudden, severe, or persistent headaches — especially with vision changes or swelling — contact your provider. These could signal high blood pressure or preeclampsia, not normal labor [*].

Can You Be in Labor and Not Know It?

Yes. This is called silent labor, and it’s more common than you might think, especially for second-time moms. Some women dilate several centimeters with barely any pain, then go into active labor suddenly [*].

If your belly feels tight on and off but you’re unsure if it's a contraction, or you’ve had back cramps that come and go, it could be early labor. Pay attention to patterns [*].

Natural Ways to Help Labor Along

There are a few gentle, evidence-supported ways to encourage labor to begin naturally:

• Walking or light exercise: Movement can help the baby descend into your pelvis, apply pressure on the cervix, and trigger oxytocin release [*]. Curb walking is a common trick!
• Nipple stimulation: Mimics breastfeeding and encourages oxytocin. Try gentle manual stimulation or a breast pump [*].
• Sex: Semen contains prostaglandins and orgasm boosts oxytocin [*]. As long as your water hasn’t broken and your provider hasn’t restricted you, it may help get things moving.
• Acupressure or acupuncture: The SP6 and LI4 points are commonly used to stimulate labor [*]. While results vary, some women report contractions within hours.
• Eating dates: A few small studies suggest that eating 6 dates a day in the last weeks of pregnancy may help with cervical ripening and spontaneous labor [*].
• Staying relaxed: Anxiety and stress can interfere with oxytocin, the hormone that triggers contractions. Warm baths, meditation, or a prenatal massage may promote relaxation [*].
• Spicy food: Though evidence is mixed, some moms swear by it [*]. Just be cautious if you’re prone to heartburn.
• Visualization and guided imagery: Focusing on opening or relaxing can help your body shift into labor mode, especially when paired with breathing techniques [*].

The effectiveness of these methods varies by person. Always check with your provider before trying anything new.

When to Call Your Provider

Recognizing labor signs is helpful, but knowing when to act on them is key.

You should call your provider or go to the hospital if:

• Your water breaks (especially if fluid is green or has a foul odor) [*].
• You have regular contractions every 5 minutes for at least an hour (for first-time moms) [*].
• You notice decreased fetal movement [*].
• You experience bright red bleeding (not just spotting) [*].
• You have a severe headache, blurred vision, or sudden swelling (possible signs of preeclampsia) [*].

Why it matters: Timely communication with your healthcare provider ensures you and your baby stay safe. Delaying a call could mean arriving at the hospital too late — or missing signs of a complication. It also helps your care team prepare for your arrival and guide you through the next steps, especially if you’re unsure whether it’s active labor.

When in doubt, call. Providers are used to getting “false alarm” calls and would rather hear from you than have you wait too long.

The Bottom Line

If you’re feeling “off,” extra tired, or emotionally all over the place, it might not just be the end-of-pregnancy blues — it could be your body’s quirky way of saying labor is near. These weird signs might not get as much attention as contractions or water breaking, but they’re just as valid.

Every pregnancy is different. Stay in tune with your body, trust your instincts, and don’t hesitate to ask questions.

It’s Not Too Late to Bank Cord Blood

As you prepare for labor — whether it’s tomorrow or two weeks away — now is the perfect time to think about your family’s future. Cord blood banking is a one-time opportunity to collect powerful stem cells that can treat over 80 serious conditions today, and likely many more in the future.

At MiracleCord, we make the process easy, safe, and seamless. Your birth plan might include walking, dates, or even acupressure — but don’t forget to include this once-in-a-lifetime chance to invest in your family’s health.

To learn more, request your free info kit or call us at 888.743.2673.

DISCLAIMER: THE INFORMATION ON THIS WEBSITE IS NOT INTENDED TO BE USED AS MEDICAL ADVICE.The materials and information contained on the MiracleCord website is provided for educational and informational purposes only, and is not intended to, and does not constitute, medical or other health advice or diagnosis, and should not be used as such. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease. If you are seeking personal medical advice, you should consult with a licensed physician. Always consult with a qualified health care provider regarding a medical condition.