logo
episode-header-image
Jun 2025
21m 56s

Labor Signs and the Start of Labor

VANESSA MERTEN
About this episode
As you near the end of your pregnancy, the anticipation of labor can bring a mix of excitement and anxiety. You may be wondering exactly when labor will begin and how you will know it is the real thing. While labor generally follows a predictable pattern, the signs, timing, and how you experience them can be different for everyone. This episode explores the signs that labor may be starting and how to distinguish between early labor and false alarms. Learn what you should do when early labor begins, and when to contact your doctor or midwife.
 
 
Thank you to our sponsors
 
The VTech V-Hush Stroller Rocker is a portable device that features a mechanical rocking mechanism to gently rock your baby’s crib or stroller to promote better sleep on the go. Plus it has a built-in amber night light, a rechargeable battery, soothing sounds, white noise, and sweet lullabies. Soothe your baby to sleep anywhere with the VTech V-Hush Stroller Rocker. The VTech V-Hush Stroller Rocker is available at Walmart
 
 
Read the full article and resources that accompany this episode.
 
 
Join Pregnancy Podcast Premium to access the entire back catalog, listen to all episodes ad-free, get a copy of the Your Birth Plan Book, and more.
 
 
Check out the 40 Weeks podcast to learn how your baby grows each week and what is happening in your body. Plus, get a heads up on what to expect at your prenatal appointments and a tip for dads and partners.
 
 
For more evidence-based information, visit the Pregnancy Podcast website.
Up next
Oct 5
The Safety of Tylenol (Acetaminophen) and Other OTC Medications During Pregnancy
Acetaminophen, best known by the brand name Tylenol, is an ingredient in over 600 over-the-counter medicines and has long been considered the safest choice for managing pain and fever during pregnancy. Recently, it made headlines after President Trump publicly spoke out against t ... Show More
37m 47s
Sep 28
Non-Medical Pain Management Options for Labor
Labor can be intense, but you have many alternatives to cope with pain beyond the medical options your doctor or midwife offers. You can use non-medical pain management strategies on their own if you plan to avoid medical interventions, or alongside tools like an epidural. This e ... Show More
44m 51s
Sep 24
Q&A: Tips for When Prenatal Appointments Feel Rushed
You only get a limited amount of time with your doctor or midwife during prenatal care, and a lot needs to be covered over nine months. This episode answers a listener’s question about feeling rushed at appointments and leaving with unanswered questions. Learn what a typical pren ... Show More
19m 13s
Recommended Episodes
Sep 17
Birth Story: Unmedicated Birth Story & Baking Sourdough During Labor with Rachel Weaver
Join the My Essential Birth Course by October 7th and get the exclusive Rise & Birth Pack featuring a calming Birth Affirmations Audio Track and 25 beautifully crafted, printable Birth Affirmation Cards to keep you grounded, confident, and inspired for birth. Learn more: https:// ... Show More
1h 2m
Oct 8
Birth Story at a Military Hospital: Fast, Faith-Filled, and Unmedicated
This week I'm chatting with Daizjah, who shares her incredible first birth story at a military hospital.From finding out she was pregnant just weeks before her wedding, to preparing with CrossFit up until 34 weeks, mental rehearsals, the role that faith played, and a labor playli ... Show More
59m 2s
May 2023
First Trimester Meditation
In the first of a new series with meditations that are specific for each trimester of pregnancy this 9 minute guided meditation helps you rest your body, trust and know that your body and baby know what to do and visualize your baby's first few weeks of life as it grows and devel ... Show More
10m 35s
Sep 2
Why Your Baby or Toddler’s Brain Needs THIS: The First Years Explained Ep 119
Send us a textYour child’s brain isn’t finished at birth — it’s built day by day, through you.Whether you have a baby or a toddler, this episode will help you understand the “why” behind sleep struggles, sensitivities, and attention challenges — and remind you that brains are bui ... Show More
24m 48s
Sep 9
Pregnancy Stress Relief Meditation
Release pregnancy and prenatal stress with this guided meditation. This practice helps you release the worries of the day, relax your body and connect with your baby as you visualize yourself releasing tension and being held and supported by a cocoon of nurturing light for you an ... Show More
11m 40s
Sep 9
The 7 Stages of Play: Building Your Child’s Brain from Birth to Age 3 Ep 120
Send us a textMost parents think play begins with dolls and pretend kitchens — but the earliest stages of play start long before that… and missing them could mean missing crucial communication growth.From nibbling on their fists, to peekaboo and pretend play -- your child’s first ... Show More
31m 15s
Sep 16
Is Daycare Really Helping Your Child? What Parents Need To Know Ep 121
Send us a textShould you homeschool through kindergarten or send your child to preschool? You’ll discover the truth about “socialization,” what’s actually happening in many early childhood programs, and how to confidently decide what’s right for your family — without guilt, press ... Show More
33m 51s
Sep 29
Episode #27: Help! My Toddler Says a Lot of Sounds Wrong — Should I Be Worried?
It’s typical for toddlers and preschoolers not to be able to say all speech sounds correctly. It’s a learning process. Maybe your child says “tar” for star or “nana” for banana. But how do you know if it’s just a normal stage or something more? In this episode, we’re digging into ... Show More
23m 9s
Sep 15
Mindful Mouse's Cozy Library 🐭📚
This skill-building bedtime story teaches children how to tune into their physical sensations and use that awareness to help themselves feel more comfortable and present. Mindful Mouse can't settle down to read in her favorite library spot - her shoulders feel tight and her mind ... Show More
32m 20s
Nov 2023
Screaming Toddlers: Why They Do It and How To Stop It
Dr. Cathryn delves into the piercing world of toddler shrieks and screams, a phase that's as challenging as it is common. We share a story that brings this issue close to home for many, discuss why toddlers go through this phase and present big-hearted strategies to manage and mi ... Show More
15m 8s