Regular contractions that become stronger, longer, and closer together
Lower back pain or cramping that does not go away
Pelvic pressure or feeling that the baby is pushing down
Bloody show or mucus plug discharge
Water breaking or a gush/leak of fluid
Diarrhea or loose stools
Nesting or sudden burst of energy
Cervix beginning to dilate and efface
Baby dropping lower into the pelvis
Increased vaginal discharge
Contractions that continue even after changing position or resting
Signs of active labor, such as contractions every 3 to 5 minutes lasting about 1 minute for at least 1 hour