Regular contractions that become stronger, longer, and closer together
Contractions that do not go away with rest, hydration, or changing position
Lower back pain that comes and goes or feels rhythmic
Pelvic pressure or a feeling that the baby is pushing down
Cramping similar to menstrual cramps
A bloody show or mucus plug discharge
Water breaking or a gush/trickle of fluid
Loose stools or diarrhea
Nesting or a sudden burst of energy
Cervix changes such as dilation and effacement confirmed by a clinician