Hot on HuffPost Parents: Signs of Labor Knowing the signs of
labor can help a pregnant woman feel more comfortable and
confident as she approaches her due date. A woman's body begins
preparing for delivery as much as a month before she will
actually give birth. Even though she may not notice all of these
symptoms, they are sure indications that her body is preparing
for labor and delivery. Lightening - This is when the baby
"drops" into a lower position in the pelvis. This can happen
quickly or gradually and may not even be obvious to the mother.
However, some women will notice less discomfort under the ribs
and more pressure on the bladder after lightening. All
pregnancies are different, but in 65 percent of first-time moms,
the onset of labor usually begins up to two weeks after
lightening. In pregnant women who have given birth before,
lightening often doesn't occur until immediately prior to going
into labor. Braxton Hicks contractions - Some women never notice
Braxton Hicks contractions, which begin abou