Am I in Labour? Recognising the Signs of Labour
As your due date approaches, knowing what signs to look out for as labour begins can be really helpful for preparing both mentally and physically. This blog provides a short overview of these early signs of labour, offering you insights into what to expect and when to take action.
Understanding the Signs of Labour
Labour marks a critical phase of the pregnancy journey, and several signs can indicate its onset:
Physical Changes
Period-like Cramps and Backache: These symptoms often precede labour, signalling that your body is preparing for delivery.
'Show' or Mucousy discharge: The loosening and discharge of the mucous plug from your cervix is a common sign that labour may soon follow. It may appear streaked with blood or have a brownish tint.
Waters Breaking
Amniotic Fluid Leak: Whether a noticeable gush or a subtle trickle, any leakage should prompt you to contact your healthcare provider. Amniotic fluid is typically clear, sometimes with a pinkish hue and may smell slightly sweet, distinguishing it from urine.
Contractions
Braxton Hicks vs. True Labour Contractions: While Braxton Hicks are irregular and tend to subside with movement or rest, true labour contractions will progressively become more regular, closer together, and stronger.
Engagement
As you move closer to delivery, your baby’s head may drop and become engaged in your pelvis in preparation for labour. If you are expecting your first baby, you may notice pressure in your groin and on your bladder beginning up to four weeks before the birth. You may also notice that you can breathe a little easier and have a little more appetite as your baby drops and is not pushed up against your diaphragm and stomach quite so much. This is sometimes known as “lightening”, as women generally feel lighter
Show
Towards the end of pregnancy, the cervix becomes softer, and the mucous plug may become loosened and start to come away. The process of discharging this mucous is called a ‘show’ and might often contain streaks of blood or may also be brownish in colour. This is different from any flow of fresh blood, which you would report immediately to your healthcare provider. The show may continue over a period of hours or even days. It is one of the signs that your body is preparing for birth. Labour may begin in the next few days or weeks following a show. There is no need to phone the hospital if you have had a show.
Waters Breaking
This may occur at any time prior to the start of labour or at any time during labour.
The break may be low, near the opening of the uterus, and will produce a gush of amniotic fluid. If this occurs, place a sanitary pad on and note the colour of the fluid. Ring your healthcare provider and tell them that this has occurred.
Another type of amniotic fluid leak may occur higher up in the amniotic sack or top of the uterus. This will be less obvious to you, and you may only notice a trickle of fluid. Since many women have a heavy vaginal discharge or leak a small amount of urine towards the end of their pregnancy, it is often difficult to tell the difference. Urine is often yellow, whereas amniotic fluid is usually clear or has a pink tinge and a "sweet" odour. If you are unsure, put a pad on to assess the colour and volume and contact your healthcare provider.
Braxton Hicks vs. Labour Contractions
Braxton Hicks contractions are sometimes mistaken for labour. These “practice” contractions usually start halfway through the pregnancy and continue right through to the end.
These contractions are irregular, usually infrequent, and can feel uncomfortable and tight. They may become more regular and slightly stronger as your pregnancy progresses, helping to prepare your uterus for the upcoming labour. However, they generally do not lead to labour and tend to subside with relaxation or changes in activity.
In contrast, true labour contractions signify that labour is beginning. These contractions progressively increase in intensity, frequency, and duration. Early labour contractions might feel similar to period cramps and could be accompanied by backache.
The key differences between Braxton Hicks and labour contractions are that labour contractions tend to:
Become regular with time
Get closer together with time
Become stronger
Walking makes them stronger
Lying down does not make them go away
Are painful
When to contact your healthcare provider
You should call when:
Your waters break
You have bright blood loss
Your contractions are regular and less than three minutes apart
You are less than 37 weeks pregnant and are having contractions that feel like labour
For those looking to dive deeper into each stage of labour and understand the comprehensive support Wellington Obstetrics offers, download our full PDF guide. It covers everything from early signs to post-delivery care, ensuring you’re thoroughly prepared for your labour experience.
Recognising the signs of labour is just the beginning. Each woman’s experience is unique, and understanding what to expect can help you feel more prepared and confident.
At Wellington Obstetrics, we're here to support you through every step of this incredible journey.
Find out more about our practitioners here.