WeMoms
2 Apr 2024

Nausea as a Sign of Labor

Nausea as a Sign of Labor
As you approach the culmination of your pregnancy, you might experience various physical sensations, including nausea.
Understanding how nausea can be associated with labor helps you prepare for what might be coming.
Key Facts
While nausea is often associated with early pregnancy, it can reappear or intensify as you near labor.
This symptom can be one of the body's ways of signaling that labor is approaching.
What, Why, How?
  • What is Labor-Related Nausea? It refers to the feeling of queasiness or stomach discomfort that some women experience shortly before or during labor.
  • Why Does it Happen? Hormonal shifts, particularly increased prostaglandin levels, can contribute to nausea. Additionally, the physical and emotional stress of labor can affect your digestive system.
  • How to Recognize It: Unlike general discomfort from pregnancy, labor-related nausea often comes in conjunction with other signs of labor such as contractions, back pain, or the bloody show.
The Significance of Nausea in Labor
Nausea can be an overlooked sign of labor's onset.
While not every woman will experience it, for some, it is a clear indicator that their body is preparing for childbirth.
What to Do Next
If you're experiencing nausea as you approach your due date or during labor:
  • Stay Hydrated: Sip water or clear fluids to maintain hydration.
  • Eat Light: If possible, consume light and bland foods to settle your stomach.
  • Rest: Allow your body to relax and conserve energy for the labor process.
  • Inform Your Healthcare Provider: Especially if nausea is severe or accompanied by vomiting or other labor signs.
Q&As
  1. Is nausea a common sign of labor?
  2. How can I tell if nausea is related to labor or something else?
  3. Can anything be done to alleviate labor-related nausea?
  4. Should I eat if I'm feeling nauseous but think I might be going into labor?
  5. When should I contact my healthcare provider about nausea?
Dear moms-to-be, while nausea can be an uncomfortable sensation, it's important to remember that it can be part of the natural process leading up to labor.
Stay attuned to your body's signals, take care of your comfort needs, and keep in close contact with your healthcare team.
You're nearly there, and soon you'll be embracing the next beautiful phase of motherhood!
Dig Deeper
B
Brianna
8 Jul 2023

Before I run my paranoid ass to the hospital, is constant diarrhea a sign of labor?

8 comments
P
Paulina
If you don’t mind me asking why would you go to the hospital
27 Mar 2024

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M
Mommy's blessings
14 Jun 2023

So I’m not sure if this is a sign of labor.” But I’ve been having a lot of diarrhea, having on and off slight cramps, terrible pelvic pain, now I’m spotting.. is this a sign I’m going into labor? I’m not sure on whats going on or what to do :(

2 comments
M
Michelle
How are u feeling now? The spotting is what makes me nervous..did u call your OB?
27 Mar 2024

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K
Katie
7 Jun 2023

Any moms experience bad nausea and stomach sickness maybe days or so before labor ?? I’ve looked it up and it said it’s an early sign labor is near by. Just wanted to see how accurate this was

1 comments
G
Giah
Not everyone experienced that
27 Mar 2024

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🐣
🐣🐰💐Meghan Renee💐🐰🐣
2 Feb 2023

Feeling so nauseous this morning. 38 weeks & 3 days today. Haven’t really dealt with nausea at all this pregnancy. Anyone else having this? Possible sign of labor being close?

8 comments
Q
Queen Cici👑
I’m 36 weeks n been dealing wit it heavy since 35 weeks n never dealt wit nausea my whole pregnancy either. Didn’t have any morning sickness. So I’m surprised. Idk what’s going on. I couldn’t even hold any fluids the other day. I threw everything up including water. N I still feel nauseous.
27 Mar 2024

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L
Latisha
36 weeks 4 days been nauseous last few days threw up a couple times 😕
27 Mar 2024

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M
Mariah
23 Oct 2022

Constant cramping and nauseous as fuck. Maybe a sign that labor is near. Well at least I hope so 😂

5 comments
F
Felicia
Having same symptoms just add on loose stools
27 Mar 2024

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M
Mariah
I have that as well
27 Mar 2024

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K
Kel
15 Sep 2022

I know they say nausea is a sign that labor is near. I’d get nausea a week ago probably 1 or 2 times out the week, but it would only last a few seconds. Tonight is the first time that I’m starting to get nausea multiple times in the same day. I had it 2 hours ago and right now. I wonder how near is labor. My doctor said I’m 1cm dilated. I’m currently 39 weeks and 4 days.😮‍💨😮‍💨😮‍💨

4 comments
E
Eyeaware1111
You almost there hang in there be strong stay positive
27 Mar 2024

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K
Kel
Thank you🥺❤️🙏🏽
27 Mar 2024

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C
Cody Rae
7 Aug 2022

TMI I keep seeing that diarrhea is a sign of labor.. Has anyone experienced this? 💩

9 comments
R
Robyn lambert
I’ve had it all week and hear the same thing
27 Mar 2024

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A
Andria
Never experienced that with my first two. My water broke with my first and they started my labor. Had her 17 hours later. Then went in labor with my second and had her in 3 hours. Lol but no diarrhea
27 Mar 2024

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K
Kaitlyn
27 Jul 2022

Is it true that nausea means that labor is near because that’s what my mom had told me and I have been nauseous since last night and it has not gone away all day…. I’ve also had some cramping whenever I stand up in the pelvic area along with some looser stools (not diarrhea exactly).

2 comments
A
Aniah
Same here and I wanna kno
27 Mar 2024

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B
Babyluv
I’m sure it is back and whole damn body is sore af
27 Mar 2024

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🎃
🎃👻Greycee🎃👻
25 Jun 2022

I just was waken up with a feeling of nausea 🤢 I had diarrhea all day yesterday and alot if lighting pains I really hope this is a sign of early labor 🤔

1 comments
H
Heavenly
Same 😩finger cross
27 Mar 2024

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S
Sabrina
5 Jun 2022

Is dehydration a positive sign of labor??? I been feeling dehydrated the last two days

7 comments
E
Emily
I don't think so. Just keep drinking haaha I drink so much water I pee every 30 minutes or so
27 Mar 2024

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S
Sabrina
Same here omg this pregnancy is so different than my first !!! Thank you for sharing
27 Mar 2024

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