Labour can start slowly over days or quite suddenly. Knowing the signs helps you decide when to call your care team.
Early signs that labour may be close
- A show: the plug of mucus that seals the cervix comes away as a thick, jelly-like discharge, sometimes streaked with blood. Labour may still be hours or days away.
- Backache or period-like cramps that come and go.
- Needing to open your bowels more often, as the baby’s head presses down.
- The baby dropping lower into your pelvis, which can make breathing easier.
Signs that labour has started
- Regular contractions that get longer, stronger and closer together, and do not go away when you rest or move.
- Your waters breaking: a gush or a steady trickle of fluid from your vagina. Waters are usually clear or pale pink.
The stages of labour
- Early (latent) labour: contractions start and the cervix softens and begins to open. This can last many hours, especially with a first baby.
- Active labour: contractions are strong and regular and the cervix opens to 10 cm.
- Pushing and birth of the baby.
- Delivery of the placenta.
When to contact your maternity unit
Follow the plan your care team gave you. Contact them straight away if:
- your waters break, especially if the fluid is green, brown or smells unpleasant
- you have bleeding from your vagina
- your baby is moving less than usual
- you have constant, severe tummy pain
- you are less than 37 weeks pregnant and think labour has started
- contractions are regular and strong, as advised for your situation
Unsure how a tightening feels compared with labour? Read Braxton Hicks vs real contractions.