Final answer:
Signs preceding labor include the expulsion of a mucus plug in the form of a bloody show and increased frequency and intensity of true labor contractions.
Step-by-step explanation:
The signs commonly observed in the days preceding labor include a bloody show and increased frequency of true labor contractions. Bloody show occurs when a plug of mucus that has been blocking the cervical canal during pregnancy is expelled, which can be accompanied by a small amount of blood. This event typically happens around 1-2 days before the onset of true labor. True labor is characterized by regular contractions that do not abate with hydration or rest, and they become more frequent and powerful over time. Contrary to increased fetal movement, a sign preceding labor is actually often a decrease in fetal activity as the baby gets into position for birth. On the other hand, the presence of Braxton Hicks contractions may actually increase in frequency in preparation for true labor, and maternal heart rate typically does not reduce before labor.