Signs of Labour: How to Know It Is Starting

Early signs that labour is approaching

These signs can appear days or even weeks before labour actually begins. They do not mean you need to go to hospital, but they suggest your body is preparing.

A "show." During pregnancy, a plug of mucus seals the cervix. As the cervix begins to soften and open, this plug comes away. It looks like a blob of pinkish, brownish, or slightly blood-streaked jelly. Some people notice it clearly, others miss it entirely. Losing your mucus plug does not mean labour is imminent. It can happen days or even a couple of weeks before contractions start.

Backache. A persistent, dull ache in your lower back that does not go away when you change position can be an early labour sign. This is different from the general pregnancy backache you may have been experiencing for weeks.

Nesting instinct. Some people feel a sudden burst of energy and an urge to clean, organise, and prepare the house. While this is not a medical sign, many people report it happening in the days before labour.

Loose bowels. Your body may clear out in preparation for labour. Mild diarrhoea or more frequent bowel movements in the day or two before labour begins is common and nothing to worry about.

Braxton Hicks becoming more frequent. Practice contractions may increase in the days before real labour, sometimes becoming stronger and more regular before fading away again.

The main signs that labour has started

Regular contractions that do not stop. This is the most reliable sign. Real labour contractions come at regular intervals, get progressively closer together, last longer as time goes on, and get stronger with each one. They do not ease off when you change position, have a bath, or rest. Early labour contractions may feel like period cramps or a tightening across your bump. They might start at 15 to 20 minutes apart and gradually get closer.

Your waters breaking. The amniotic sac surrounding your baby can rupture before or during labour. You might feel a sudden gush of fluid or a slow, steady trickle that you cannot control (unlike urine, which you can stop). Amniotic fluid is usually clear or slightly pinkish and does not smell like urine.

If your waters break, note the time, the colour and amount of fluid, and whether there is any smell. Contact your maternity unit. In most cases, labour will start within 24 hours of your waters breaking. If it does not, your maternity team will discuss your options with you, which may include induction.

If the fluid is green, brown, or has a strong smell, contact your maternity unit immediately. Green or brown fluid may indicate meconium (the baby's first bowel movement), which needs prompt assessment.

How to tell real contractions from Braxton Hicks

This is one of the most common questions in late pregnancy, and the distinction matters.

Braxton Hicks contractions are irregular in timing, do not get stronger over time, often ease when you change position or have a warm bath, and are usually felt in the front of your bump. Real labour contractions follow a pattern of increasing frequency and duration, get stronger and more painful over time, do not ease with rest or position changes, and are often felt wrapping around from your back to the front.

If you are unsure, time your contractions for an hour. If they are coming every 10 to 15 minutes and lasting at least 30 seconds, and this pattern continues or intensifies, it is likely early labour.

When to contact your maternity unit

Every hospital has a triage or labour assessment line you can call for advice. You should contact them when your contractions are coming regularly every 5 minutes and each one lasts about 60 seconds, and this pattern has continued for at least an hour. You should also call if your waters break (even without contractions), if the fluid from your waters is anything other than clear or pale pink, if you have vaginal bleeding that is bright red or heavier than spotting, if your baby's movements have changed or reduced, or if you feel something is not right. Trust your instincts. Midwives would always rather you call and be reassured than stay at home worrying.

What happens in early labour

Early labour (the latent phase) can last hours or even a couple of days, particularly with a first baby. Contractions during this phase are often irregular and manageable. This is not yet the time to go to hospital in most cases.

During early labour, try to rest if it is night time, eat light meals and stay hydrated, use a TENS machine if you have one, take paracetamol if you need to (it is safe in labour), try warm baths or showers, keep moving gently, and use breathing techniques you learned in antenatal classes.

Your maternity unit will advise you when to come in based on the pattern of your contractions and your individual circumstances.