Signs of labour

When will i know?

You’re unlikely to mistake the signs of labour when the time really comes, but if you’re in any doubt, don’t hesitate to contact your hospital or midwife and ask for advice. Below are some signs signs of labour, you may not experience all of them but they may indicate that labour is coming soon.

 Signs that labour is beginning  

• Regular contractions. Contractions help dilate and open the c ervix. Braxton Hicks contractions are experienced during pregnancy and are normal. They are when your abdomen gets tight and then relaxes. When labour is approaching you will have become more aware of them. If they are coming more regularly, feeling stronger and lasting more than 30 seconds then labour may have started. Gradually they will become longer, stronger and more frequent.

• Backache that seems to come and pass are often a result of contractions being felt in the back. The stronger the backache and more frequent, the more likely labour is to begin.

• A ‘ bloody show’ either before labour starts, or early in labour. The plug of mucus that seals the cervix during pregnancy, comes out of the vagina. It becomes dislodged as the cervix dilates. This small amount of sticky pink mucus is called a ‘show’ – with about two tablespoons of blood, mixed with mucus. If you are losing more blood, it may be a sign that something is wrong, so contact your midwife straight away. 

• The waters breaking. Before labour commences the bag of water in which the baby is floating in may break. You will noice a slow trickle from your vagina or a sudden gush of unctrollable water If the waters break before labour starts.  When this happens contact the hospital or your midwife. You will usually be advised to make your way to the hospital depending on your birth plan.

• Nausea or vomiting

• Diarrhoea

Information sourced from https://www.nhs.uk/Planners/pregnancycareplanner/Pages/PregnancyHome.aspx?WT.srch=1