How to Recognize When Labor is Starting: The Signs That Matter Most

^{_{Image: A withdrawn, pre-labor mom—her eyes tell you something’s changing.}}

If you’ve ever paced the house at 2 a.m. wondering “Is this it?”, you’re not alone.

For breeders, the final days of pregnancy can feel like a blur of hope, nerves, and constant checking. You’re watching every movement, every nap, every lick—trying to read your girl like a book. And while labor doesn’t always begin in a dramatic, obvious way, there are clear signs that let you know the time is near.

When you understand what to look for, you can support your girl with calm confidence—and be ready for whatever comes next.

Clear Signs That Labor is Approaching

• Nesting behavior: She may dig, circle, shred bedding, or retreat to dark corners.
• Clinginess or isolation: Some dogs want constant contact, while others seek quiet solitude.
• Panting, shivering, vomiting: These can all be signs that Stage 1 labor has begun.
• Loss of appetite: A normally ravenous girl may suddenly turn away from her food.
• Increased urination or licking: You may notice more frequent licking of the vulva or the appearance of clear discharge.
• That ‘look’ in her eyes: It’s like the sparkle fades and she seems more withdrawn.
• Drop in body temperature: One of the more reliable indicators when tracked properly.

^{Image: Nesting behavior—circling, digging, and preparing a space to whelp.}

^{Image: Demonstrating how to take and record a pregnant dog’s rectal temperature.}

Pro tip: I recommend taking rectal temperature two to three times daily in the week leading up to the due date. You’re looking for a sustained drop—typically one full degree below her average low—that signals labor is likely to begin within 24 hours. (Make sure she’s been resting for at least 20 minutes before taking it and avoid stool interference.)

What’s Normal—and What’s Not

Stage 1 labor can last up to 48 hours. That’s perfectly normal. During this phase, it’s all about observing and staying ready.

What’s not normal:

•  Green/black discharge before the first puppy
•  Hard contractions lasting more than 30 minutes with no puppy
•  Yellow meconium-stained discharge
•  Sudden distress or extreme lethargy
•  A gut feeling that something’s off

If in doubt, call your vet. It’s always better to check.

Quick-Check Prep List for the Final Hours

     ✓   Temperature drop confirmed

     ✓   Behavioral changes observed

     ✓   Discharge is clear or milky

     ✓   Whelping supplies are prepped

     ✓   Vet contact info and emergency plan in place

     ✓   You feel calm, prepared, and ready to support her

^{Image: Whelping supplies laid out and ready to go—your prep matters. Featuring BBGear favorites like Puppy Pals and Lovey.}

Education is Your Best Tool

Inside the Labor & Delivery Course, we go step-by-step through everything covered here—and so much more.

Veterinarian Dr. Jim Miller, DVM, joins me to teach real-life birth scenarios, red flag signs, safe cord care, natural ways to stimulate contractions, and what to do when things don’t go exactly as planned. It’s the course I wish I had when I started—and now it’s here for you.

Whether it’s your first litter or your fifteenth, preparation makes a difference.

 ^{Image: A calm, happy mom with her new litter—the moment all the prep pays off. (Featuring BBGear Puppy Pal.)}

Final Thoughts

Labor doesn’t have to feel like a mystery. When you know what signs to watch for—and you trust yourself to respond—you create a calmer, safer experience for both you and your girl.

And if you’re ready to feel more confident heading into your next whelping, the Labor & Delivery course is here to support you every step of the way. 

 ^{Image: Weighing puppies at least twice daily ensures they’re thriving from day one.}

This blog reflects teachings from the Breeders Bootcamp Labor & Delivery Course, developed by Stephanie Major with expert veterinary insight from Dr. Jim Miller, DVM.