Here are a few common symptoms that you are likely to experience before labour:

The sensation of pressure building or cramping in your pelvic area is similar to that of menstrual cramps.

A dull pain in your lower back.

Heartburn (acid reflux) and gassiness

Unless your pregnancy is high-risk, you do not need to call your midwife if you experience any of these symptoms.

Your emotional state

In the lead-up to labour, you may feel that to pass the time, you need to busy yourself with household chores. Some women experience bursts of activity, which are thought to be instinctual as a mother prepares the home for their new arrival. This is referred to as “nesting”.

Many women feel a mixture of emotions, such as impatience, fear, anxiety, and excitement, in anticipation of the baby's arrival. The main concern is usually about the level of pain they might feel, especially if they have opted for a natural birth.

Nothing can prepare you for how you will feel during labour, but the more you understand what’s available to you (e.g., pain relief options), the easier and more confident you will feel about your ability to cope. Essentially, the more informed and prepared you are, the less anxious you’ll feel during labour.

It’s important to look after yourself in the pre-labour stage, so here are some tips to help you prepare for labour.

Tips for preparing for labour

Make sure you’re well rested. So you’re not going into labour completely exhausted; it’s super important that you’re feeling as rested as possible before the big day. So try to get early nights, take naps during the day, and keep practicing your relaxation techniques.

Manage your sleeping environment. If you are having trouble sleeping, it might be to do with physical discomfort such as being too hot, not being able to get into a comfortable position, or finding it hard to breathe due to congestion. Things that help include dehumidifiers, body pillows, fans, air conditioning, or relaxing magnesium salt baths.
Keep your energy up by eating. As labour approaches, eat little and often to keep your energy up.
Shower or bathe in warm water for muscle pain. It is common to feel back pain in the lead-up to birth. Showering and bathing in warm water can really help to relieve discomfort. Just avoid bathing in very hot water, as this is not good for the baby, and adding magnesium salts can help you relax.
Enjoy a massage. A lower back massage can be extremely comforting and a good way to ease any discomfort you may be feeling. Ask your partner if they can give you a relaxing massage.

What physical symptoms emerge before labour starts?

Unii’s Giving Birth Journey shares what happens to your body just before labour.