The three main signs of labour are regular contractions that get progressively stronger and closer together, your waters breaking (a gush or slow trickle of fluid), and a show (a mucus plug tinged with blood). Call your hospital when contractions are regular, lasting 60 seconds, and coming every 5 minutes.
Labour rarely begins like it does in films. In reality, it usually starts gradually. You may notice a combination of signs over hours or even days before active labour begins. Every labour is different and first-time labours tend to start more slowly.
Contractions are the most reliable sign that labour has started. Real labour contractions follow a pattern: they come at regular intervals, gradually getting closer together, last longer over time (building from 30 to 60+ seconds), and get stronger without easing when you change position.
Braxton Hicks contractions, in contrast, are irregular and usually stop when you change activity. Use a contraction timer to track intervals. The NHS advises calling the hospital when contractions are regular, lasting about 60 seconds, and coming every 5 minutes for first-time parents.
The amniotic sac can break before or during labour. You may experience a sudden gush or slow trickle of clear or slightly pink fluid. Note the time, colour, and amount. Contact your maternity unit to let them know.
Important: If the fluid is greenish or brown, contact your hospital immediately as this could indicate meconium. If your waters break before 37 weeks, call your maternity unit straight away (PPROM). According to NICE, if contractions do not start within 24 hours of waters breaking, induction is usually offered.
As the cervix begins to soften and dilate, the mucus plug comes away. It appears as a jelly-like blob that may be clear, pink, or tinged with blood. A show can appear days before labour or during labour itself. Not everyone notices it.
Note: Heavy, bright red bleeding is different from a show and should prompt immediate contact with your hospital.
Lower back pain that comes and goes in waves. Pressure in the pelvis as the baby moves down (engagement). Nesting instinct — a sudden burst of energy and urge to prepare the home. Loose bowels caused by prostaglandins. Feeling emotional from hormonal changes.
The NHS advises contacting your maternity unit when: contractions are coming regularly every 5 minutes and lasting about 60 seconds, your waters have broken, you have bright red or heavy vaginal bleeding, you notice reduced baby movements, you feel unwell or have a severe headache, or you are less than 37 weeks pregnant and think labour may be starting.
Early labour can last many hours for first-time parents. The NHS and NCT recommend staying at home during early labour. Try a warm bath, a TENS machine on your lower back, keeping mobile, breathing techniques, light snacks, and resting between contractions.
Real labour contractions come at regular intervals, get progressively stronger, and do not stop when you change position. Braxton Hicks are irregular and usually ease with movement or a warm bath.
Yes. If contractions do not begin within 24 hours, induction is usually offered to reduce infection risk.
A jelly-like blob of mucus that may be clear, pink, or tinged with blood. It can come out in one piece or as increased sticky discharge.
For first-time parents, call when contractions are regular, lasting 60 seconds, and coming every 5 minutes. Also call if your waters break or you notice reduced baby movements.
For first-time parents, early labour can last 6 to 12 hours or more. The cervix dilates from 0 to about 4 centimetres during this phase.
Milestones, partner sharing, notes, photos, and a curated essentials guide. Free, no app to install.
Get Started Free© 2026 Nuhah. All rights reserved.