What is a primary sign of true labor?

A primary sign of true labor is the presence of a show, which refers to the mucus plug that is released as the cervix begins to dilate and efface in preparation for labor. This sign indicates that the body is making physiological changes necessary for labor to commence. The show often appears as a pink or blood-tinged discharge, a process that usually occurs just prior to or during the onset of labor.

While irregular contractions can occur in both true and false labor, they do not indicate that true labor has begun. Shortness of breath is not a direct sign of labor; it can occur for various reasons unrelated to the labor process. Seat relief also does not indicate labor progression or readiness. The presence of a show serves as a clear indication that the cervix is undergoing changes, signifying that the body is preparing for the delivery of the baby.