A change in appetite can occur as labor approaches, though it is not a primary or definitive indicator of labor.
Understanding Loss of Appetite Before Labor
Many individuals may experience a reduced appetite in the days or weeks leading up to labor. This can be attributed to physiological and psychological factors. Hormonal shifts, including increased levels of adrenaline and cortisol, can influence the digestive system. Discomfort and anxiety in late pregnancy can also suppress hunger.
The body also begins to redirect energy resources as it prepares for labor, which can slow down the digestive system. This can make food seem less appealing or lead to feelings of nausea. While a loss of appetite is common, it is a non-specific symptom, often overshadowed by more direct signs of labor.
Other Indicators of Impending Labor
More common and reliable signs indicate labor is near or has begun. One such sign is “lightening,” where the baby drops lower into the pelvis, which can happen weeks or hours before labor. Another indicator is the “bloody show,” a discharge of pink, brown, or blood-tinged mucus as the cervix begins to soften and dilate.
The “nesting instinct” is frequently observed, characterized by a sudden burst of energy and a strong urge to clean and organize the home. This often intensifies in the final weeks before birth. Some individuals may experience gastrointestinal changes such as diarrhea or nausea. The rupture of membranes, commonly known as the “water breaking,” can manifest as a gush or a steady trickle of clear or pale yellow fluid.
The most definitive sign of labor involves consistent uterine contractions that become progressively stronger, longer, and more frequent. True labor contractions are regular, do not subside with position changes, and typically begin in the lower back, moving to the lower abdomen. In early labor, contractions might last 30 to 45 seconds and occur every 5 to 20 minutes, gradually intensifying and becoming closer together.
When to Seek Medical Advice
Contact a healthcare provider when signs of labor become apparent or if any concerning symptoms arise. Call your provider if contractions are regular, increasing in strength and frequency, particularly if they occur every five minutes for at least an hour. For first-time parents, the guideline is often when contractions are 45 to 60 seconds long and occur every 3 to 5 minutes for at least two hours.
Contact your provider if your water breaks, regardless of whether contractions have started. Also contact them if the amniotic fluid has an unusual color (green or brown) or a foul odor, which could indicate fetal distress. Significant vaginal bleeding, especially if bright red and heavier than a typical bloody show, warrants immediate contact. Any decrease in fetal movement, or if you cannot feel at least 10 movements within two hours, should prompt an immediate call to your doctor.