Vaginal discharge may thicken or increase. This piece of mucus can be passed through the vagina a week or two before real contractions or just as labor begins. Capillaries frequently rupture as the cervix effaces and dilates, tinting the mucus pink or streaking it with blood. The Braxton Hicks contractions, which have been practicing for several weeks, may become more frequent and stronger. They may even become painful.
Some women experience loose bowel movements just prior to labor.
The pain is in the lower abdomen rather than the lower back. Contractions abate when the woman walks or changes position. Fetal movements become stronger with contractions. When contractions quicken or become more painful, the woman may wonder if it is real labor or false labor. The contractions may feel like gas upset and may be accompanied by diarrhea.