What are common signs of labor?

The presence of regular contractions, cervical changes, and the breaking of water are indeed classic indicators of labor. Regular contractions are essential as they signal that the uterus is actively working to dilate the cervix and prepare for the delivery of the baby. Cervical changes, such as effacement (thinning) and dilation (opening), are critical as they indicate that the body is progressing toward delivery. Additionally, the breaking of the amniotic sac, often referred to as "water breaking," is a significant event that typically indicates that labor is imminent or has begun.

In contrast, while some of the other signs mentioned in the choices could be associated with other stages of pregnancy or indicate discomfort, they are not definitive indicators of labor. For instance, loss of appetite and fatigue may occur throughout the pregnancy but are not direct signs of labor. Irregular contractions and increased energy can also be misleading; irregular contractions do not typically signify the start of labor, and a spur of energy, sometimes referred to as "nesting," occurs in some women but is not a reliable sign of labor.