What could be a sign of impending labor beyond contractions?

A sign of impending labor is the "bloody show," which refers to the loss of the mucous plug that has been protecting the cervix during pregnancy. This plug contains mucus and blood and can indicate that the cervix is starting to dilate and prepare for labor. When the mucous plug is expelled, it often indicates that labor may begin soon, within days or even hours. This is a natural physiological change as the body prepares for childbirth.

The other options do not signify impending labor. Weight gain is typically associated with pregnancy but not a sign of labor. A decrease in fetal movements can be concerning and may necessitate medical evaluation, rather than signal impending labor. An increased appetite may occur during pregnancy for some women, particularly in the second trimester, but does not relate to the onset of labor. Thus, the bloody show is the most direct and significant indication that labor could be approaching.