Labor Signs: Signs of Labor (Cervical Effacement) During Pregnancy. Know more about the difference between true and false labor, and when to call your health care provider.

One of the early signs of labor is called dilation, which is when your cervix stretches to make room for the baby, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Dilation is measured in centimeters.

As the countdown to birth begins, some signs that labor is 24 to 48 hours away can include low back pain, weight loss — and of course, your water breaking.

Diarrhea is a little talked-about sign labor is near. Experts explain there's nothing to be ashamed of if it happens to you. South_agency/Getty Images Medically reviewed by Alyssa Dweck, MS, MD ...