As pregnancy nears its conclusion, many individuals become attuned to bodily sensations, wondering if labor is beginning. Chills can cause confusion about their connection to childbirth. Understanding their potential causes, both related and unrelated to labor, can help expectant parents navigate this period.
Understanding Chills During Pregnancy
Chills are common during pregnancy and don’t always indicate labor. Hormonal fluctuations, particularly an increase in progesterone, can affect the body’s basal temperature, leading to sudden chills. Fatigue, a frequent companion throughout pregnancy, also contributes to temperature dysregulation. Minor infections like a common cold, flu, or urinary tract infection can present with chills, often accompanied by a fever. Additionally, low blood pressure (due to hormonal changes and increased blood volume) and thyroid issues (such as hypothyroidism) can manifest as chills, alongside symptoms like dizziness, fatigue, or general coldness.
Chills as a Potential Labor Indicator
While not a primary sign, chills can sometimes occur with labor. Some individuals report shivering or trembling during early labor, possibly due to hormonal shifts or the body’s response to physical changes. During active labor, especially in the transition phase, chills can become more pronounced, sometimes accompanied by hot flashes, nausea, or vomiting. This response may be attributed to the body’s reaction to intense pain, exhaustion, or the release of endorphins. Chills can also be a side effect of pain management techniques, such as an epidural, with shivering after an epidural being common due to opiate-based medications or hormonal changes during labor.
Definitive Signs of Labor
Unlike chills, several clear and reliable indicators signal the start of labor.
Regular, Progressive Contractions
Regular, progressive contractions are a primary sign, characterized by their increasing frequency, duration, and intensity. These contractions typically feel like menstrual cramps or lower backaches that do not subside with changes in position or activity. Initially, contractions might be 5 to 10 minutes apart, lasting 30 to 70 seconds, and they become closer together and stronger over time.
Rupture of Membranes (“Water Breaking”)
Another definitive sign is the rupture of membranes, commonly known as the “water breaking.” This can manifest as a sudden gush or a slow trickle of fluid from the vagina. Amniotic fluid is usually clear or pale yellow and may be odorless or slightly sweet-smelling, distinguishing it from urine. If the fluid is colored or has a strong odor, it warrants immediate medical attention.
Bloody Show
The “bloody show” is also an important indicator, involving the passage of blood-tinged mucus. This occurs as the cervix begins to soften, thin, and dilate in preparation for birth, causing small blood vessels to tear and release mucus. While bloody show suggests labor is near, it can appear hours or even days before active labor begins.
When to Contact Your Healthcare Provider
Contact a healthcare provider with any concerns during late pregnancy. If chills are accompanied by a fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, it could indicate an infection requiring medical evaluation. Any definitive signs of labor—such as regular, intensifying contractions, suspected water breaking, or significant bloody show—should prompt a call to your doctor or midwife. Other concerning symptoms that warrant immediate contact include severe abdominal pain, persistent nausea or vomiting, a decrease in fetal movement, or sudden swelling in the face, hands, or feet. Trusting one’s instincts and seeking professional guidance ensures appropriate care for both the expectant parent and the baby.