Signs of labour: early symptoms, timing and when to go to hospital

The main signs that labour is starting

• Contractions or tightenings that become longer, stronger and more regular
• A “show”: sticky, jelly-like mucus that may be clear, pink or lightly blood-streaked
• Lower backache, period-like cramps or increasing pelvic pressure
• An urge to open your bowels as the baby’s head presses lower
• Waters breaking as a gush or an uncontrollable trickle

Early or latent labour

In the latent phase, the cervix softens, thins and begins to open. Contractions may stop and start, and this phase can take hours or days. If you and your baby are well, your maternity team may suggest staying at home, resting, eating light food and drinking fluids.

A show means the cervix is changing, but labour may begin soon or several days later, and some people never notice one. A small streak of blood can occur with a show; fresh or heavier bleeding is not a normal show and needs urgent assessment.

Real labour contractions versus Braxton Hicks

Braxton Hicks are practice tightenings. They are often irregular, do not steadily intensify and may ease when you change activity, rest or hydrate. Labour contractions develop a pattern, get closer together, last longer and become harder to talk or walk through.

Timing contractions can help: note when each one starts, how long it lasts and the interval from the start of one to the start of the next. The pattern matters more than a single painful contraction.

When should you go to hospital?

Call before setting off unless it is an emergency. Many units advise calling when contractions are regular and about five minutes apart, but recommendations vary with your birth plan, distance from hospital, previous births and individual risks. Your maternity team will tell you when to come in.

If your waters break, note the time and the fluid’s colour and smell, use a sanitary pad rather than a tampon, and call. Clear or pale fluid is common. Green, brown, foul-smelling or heavily blood-stained fluid requires urgent assessment.

What to do while early labour continues at home

• Rest whenever you can and keep sipping fluids.
• Eat light, easy-to-digest food if you feel able.
• Try gentle movement, breathing, massage or a warm bath if your waters have not broken and your team says it is suitable.
• Keep your notes, phone, transport plan and hospital bag ready.
• Continue to notice your baby’s normal movements.