'How will I know when I'm in labour?' is one of the most common concerns for first-time mums.
Thankfully there are some signs to look out for that may indicate your baby is on its way.
Labour signs
Here are five signs that you may be in labour:
- A ‘show’: This is when the mucus plug from your cervix comes away. It appears as a pink-brown jelly-like blob or in pieces
- Tummy pains: These may feel like strong period pains and are actually the start of contractions
- Lower back pain
- A sudden urge to go to the toilet: This is caused by your baby’s head pressing on your bowel
- Waters breaking: Despite what you see in the movies, this is more likely to happen during labour than at the onset.
Call your midwife
Call your midwife, birth centre or hospital labour ward and tell them what’s happening. The start of labour is called the latent stage and can last hours or, for some women, days.
If you are more than 37 weeks with an uncomplicated pregnancy, you’ll probably be advised to stay at home until your labor is ‘established’. This is when your cervix dilates to at least 4cm and your contractions become stronger and more regular.
But if your pregnancy is high risk or you are less than 37 weeks pregnant, contact your maternity unit if you think labour has started or if there is anything you’re worried about.
Braxton Hicks
Braxton Hicks contractions are the body’s way of preparing for labour, but they don't mean your labour has started.
Referred to as false labour pains, they may be uncomfortable, but they are not painful.
Braxton Hicks contractions vs labour
Unlike labour contractions, Braxton Hicks contractions:
- vary in length and strength
- happen infrequently, are unpredictable and non-rhythmic
- are more uncomfortable than painful
- do not increase in frequency, duration or intensity
- lessen and then disappear, only to reappear at some time in the future.