What are the signs of labor?

The presence of regular contractions, back pain, and a bloody show are classic signs of labor. Regular contractions indicate that the body is preparing for the delivery of the baby, as they help to thin and dilate the cervix. The back pain associated with labor is often due to the pressure of the baby against the pelvis and spine, a symptom that many women experience as they approach labor.

A bloody show refers to the mucus plug that seals the cervix during pregnancy. As labor begins, this plug is expelled from the body, often resulting in a small amount of blood mixed with mucus. This is a significant indicator that labor is imminent.

The other options contain elements that are not characteristic of labor. Increased appetite is generally not seen as women enter labor, whereas fatigue is common but not a defining sign. Similarly, irregular contractions and mood swings may occur throughout pregnancy or early labor stages but do not signify active labor. Light spotting, while it can occur, often lacks the regular contractions that signal the start of labor.