Do You Get Extremely Tired Before Labor | Moms Should Know

Pregnancy is a beautiful journey, but let’s be honest ,  the final stretch can feel like an emotional and physical rollercoaster. I recently went through this, and one question kept popping into my head again and again: “Why am I so tired? Could labor be near?” If you’re asking yourself the same thing, and do you get extremely tired before labor, then you’re definitely not alone.

As a digital content creator and soon-to-be mama, I did what any curious and slightly panicked mom-to-be would do: I deep-dived into Reddit threads, scoured mom blogs, and talked to my OB-GYN. The result? A collection of real, useful, and easy-to-understand signs that labor may be just around the corner ,  including that bone-deep exhaustion.

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Do You Get Extremely Tired Before Labor | 10 Signs To Look For

So let’s break this down in a personal, clear, and detailed way. Here’s what I learned, what I experienced myself, and how it can help you prepare for your big day.

1. Yes, Exhaustion Can Be a Sign of Labor

One of the biggest clues my body gave me was extreme tiredness. I wasn’t just sleepy ,  I was wiped out. Think: falling asleep while sitting, zero motivation to move, and no amount of naps feeling like enough.

As it turns out, many women feel a strong wave of exhaustion in the last few days or weeks before labor begins. This is your body’s way of saying: “Hey, rest up. Something big is about to happen.” The physical demands of carrying a full-term baby combined with hormonal changes (especially an increase in prostaglandins) can make you feel absolutely drained.

Tip: Listen to your body. Take naps, avoid overexerting yourself, and don’t feel guilty for needing extra rest. You’re growing a whole human!

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2. Your Baby Might Drop (a.k.a. “Lightening“)

A few weeks before my due date, I noticed that my bump seemed lower. I also started running to the bathroom even more than usual ,  if that’s even possible. This is called “lightening,” and it’s when the baby drops lower into your pelvis to prepare for birth.

You may feel:

• Pressure in your lower pelvis
• Less heartburn (yay!)
• More frequent urination
• Easier breathing

3. Nesting Urges

Let me tell you, I went into full-blown nesting mode. I found myself organizing the baby’s closet at midnight, folding tiny onesies, and wiping down surfaces that I usually wouldn’t even notice.

This sudden burst of energy and need to organize everything is a well-known sign of approaching labor. It’s driven by hormones and is your body’s natural way of preparing a safe, clean space for your newborn.

But don’t overdo it. Balance the nesting with plenty of rest.

4. Weird Lower Back Pain and Cramps

It started with mild cramps, like the ones I used to get during my period. Then my lower back began to ache like I had done a workout I never signed up for.

This is totally normal. Your uterus is getting ready to contract, and your pelvic joints are loosening up, thanks to the hormone relaxin. These symptoms may come and go, or they might stay constant for days.

When to worry: If the cramps are painful or come with bleeding, always contact your doctor.

5. Your Weight Might Stop Increasing

Throughout my pregnancy, my weight gradually increased. But in the last week, the scale didn’t move at all. Some moms even lose a pound or two.

This can happen because of water retention changes, hormonal shifts, or your body simply stabilizing in preparation for labor. It doesn’t happen to everyone, but if it does, don’t panic. It can be a completely normal sign.

6. Dilation and Effacement

My OB offered to check if I was dilated, and while I was hesitant, I agreed. She told me I was 2cm dilated and 50% effaced. That meant my cervix was starting to open and thin out.

Dilation = how open your cervix is (out of 10 cm)

Effacement = how thin your cervix is (from 0% to 100%)

You can be a few centimeters dilated for days or weeks before labor. It’s not a guarantee that labor will start soon, but it’s a clear sign your body is working behind the scenes.

7. Digestive Changes: Diarrhea or Loose Stools

Yep, it happened to me too. In the week leading up to labor, I noticed my stomach was upset and I was going to the bathroom more often.

This is your body clearing itself out to make room for the baby to pass through the birth canal. It’s messy, but it’s a great signal that labor is near.

8. Braxton Hicks Contractions Get Stronger

I had been feeling Braxton Hicks (false labor) contractions for weeks. But in the final days, they started getting stronger and more frequent.

Here’s how to tell them apart from real contractions:

• Braxton Hicks are irregular and usually painless
• Real contractions get stronger, last longer, and come in a pattern

Keep an eye on them, and start timing if they become consistent.

9. You Might Lose Your Mucus Plug

This one surprised me. I went to the bathroom and noticed a thick, white, slightly bloody discharge. That was my mucus plug. It acts like a seal for your cervix during pregnancy and comes out as your cervix starts to open.

You might lose it all at once or gradually. Losing your mucus plug means labor could start soon ,  or still be days away.

10. Water Breaking (But Not Always)

Hollywood makes it look like water breaking is a dramatic event that marks the beginning of labor. In real life, only about 10 to 15 percent of women experience this before contractions begin.

When mine broke, it wasn’t a huge gush. It felt like a slow trickle. If this happens, call your healthcare provider immediately, especially if the fluid isn’t clear. Looking for a trusted tool to pinpoint your fertile days? Use the Ovulation Calculator First Response to align your planning with precision and boost your conception efforts.

How I Used These Signs to Prepare

Reading these signs gave me confidence. Here’s what helped me most:

1. Hospital Bag Packed Early: I packed my bag at 36 weeks, using a checklist of clothes, toiletries, phone chargers, and snacks. I also included an extra pad and my own pillowcase for comfort.
2. Birth Plan Notes: I wrote down my wishes: music preferences, pain relief options, and who I wanted in the room. Having this on paper reduced stress when labor began.
3. Comfort Measures Ready: Heating pad, massage oils, birth ball, and my favorite playlist. Comfort tools make early labor at home more manageable.
4. Support System Alerted: I told my partner, family, and doula about each sign. We had a group chat so everyone knew when to head over.
5. Nutrition and Hydration: I kept water bottles chilled and had easy snacks, fruit, granola bars, peanut butter crackers. Staying hydrated and nourished gave me energy for early labor.

Every Pregnancy Is Unique

No two labors are the same. You may see all these signs or just a few. You might go into labor gently or feel it start strong. The key is to listen to your body, trust the process, and know it is working hard for you and your baby.

If you ever feel unsure, call your healthcare provider. They can guide you based on your personal medical history.

Every Woman Is Different

One of the biggest things I learned is that no two pregnancies are alike. You might experience all of these signs or only one. That’s totally normal. What matters most is listening to your body, staying in touch with your healthcare provider, and trusting the process.

So, if you’re feeling extra tired and wondering if labor is near, chances are your body is giving you important signals. Be kind to yourself, rest when you need to, and keep your hospital bag packed!

Final Takeaway and Encouragement

Recognizing these 10 early signs of labor helped me feel calm and prepared. I knew when to slow down, rest, and get ready. I hope this “Do you get extremely tired before labor? – guide gives you the same confidence.

Keep this post bookmarked, share it with a fellow mom-to-be, and return to it if you wake up suddenly tired or notice any of these signs. You are strong, capable, and ready to meet your little one!

You’ve got this, mama. Labor is tough, but so are you.

Need More Support?

If you have questions about what to expect before labor, postpartum recovery, or anything related to women’s wellness, feel free to reach out or check out my blog for more real-mom advice, expert tips, and honest stories from the bump to beyond.

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