As birth becomes imminent, the mother's body releases large amounts of adrenaline and noradrenaline - so-called 'fight or flight' hormones. A sudden rush of these hormones just before birth causes a surge of energy in the mother and several very strong contractions, which help to deliver the baby.
Suddenly feeling very tearful or moody can be a subtle sign that your labour is beginning. Moodiness is caused by the changing levels of hormones in your body as it prepares to give birth.
Mood swings
It can also manifest in extreme nesting. These may all be early signs of labour; your whole body is getting ready for the main event.
Oxytocin. Oxytocin is often known as the “hormone of love” because it is involved with lovemaking, fertility, contractions during labor and birth and the release of milk in breastfeeding.
You might notice a change in the discharge from your vagina or a few cramps in your abdomen. You may have a low, dull ache in your back that can come and go. You may also feel pressure in your vagina or back passage. As the big day gets nearer, you may experience more definite early signs of labour.
Researchers now believe that when a baby is ready for life outside his mother's uterus, his body releases a tiny amount of a substance that signals the mother's hormones to begin labor (Condon, Jeyasuria, Faust, & Mendelson, 2004). In most cases, your labor will begin only when both your body and your baby are ready.
The cervix becomes soft and effaced (thin). Persistent backache is common. False labor pains happen at variable frequency. You may have an energy spurt 24-48 hours before the onset of labor.
Heightened pregnancy emotions are to be expected. There are many external and internal factors which can cause an increase in your emotional state during pregnancy, and it does not mean you are “moody” or “crazy.”Pregnancy emotions are a normal part of development.
You may suddenly notice you're crying for no apparent reason, feeling utterly exhausted and, well, just not as elated and excited as you thought you'd be. This is when your milk is coming in and your pregnancy hormones drop off rapidly.
Not Everyone Experiences Nesting
Some people may experience this for several months before their babies are born, whereas others have this burst of energy just a few days before the baby is born. And then there are those who simply never experience nesting in pregnancy or labor at all.
Stress levels: Researchers theorize that severe emotional stress — not the kind caused by those raging hormones or a bad day, but the kind that's related to a traumatic experience — can lead to the release of hormones that in turn trigger labor contractions.
Many women describe pre-labor fatigue as a slowing down of the body—much like moving through molasses. They sleep hours upon hours in the few days prior to labor. They cannot seem to find the energy to get off the couch or participate in their normal activities. Again, this should be taken as a sign from your body.
How Do You Feel 24 Hours Before Labor? Some of the most common things women experience when labor is 24 hours away are cramps and contractions. You might feel that your stomach is becoming tight and may experience discomfort in your lower back. Along with that, you might also experience cramps in your pelvic area.
The Latent Phase of Labour (Early Labour) For some women labour can be quick, but for most women early labour involves a latent phase, which can last for quite a few hours or even several days, before active labour and the birth of your baby.
If you have any of these signs or symptoms before your 37th week of pregnancy, you may be experiencing preterm labor: Change in your vaginal discharge (watery, mucus or bloody) or more vaginal discharge than usual. Pressure in your pelvis or lower belly, like your baby is pushing down. Constant low, dull backache.
While there is no way to know when labor is 24 to 48 hours away, labor signs include a bloody show, Braxton Hicks contractions, labor contractions, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, lower back pain, rupture of the amniotic sac (“water breaking”), and nesting instinct.
Irregular contractions are not the same timing, duration, or strength as each other. They are common in early labor, as active labor is approaching. They are usually one of the strong signs labor is 24-48 hours away. Irregular contractions can feel like your belly is tightening, with cramping lower in your pelvis.
It's perfectly normal to experience a sudden surge of energy in the days or weeks before labor. You might also have the urge to “nest” and prepare your home for the baby. Although nesting can begin any time during your pregnancy, many women experience it just before labor.