Signs of Labour: When to Head to the Hospital

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Every tightening in your tummy towards the end of pregnancy raises the same question: “Is this it?” Along with a completely human worry – missing the moment or, the other way round, going to hospital far too early.

The good news is that labour rarely starts like in the films – with one sharp cry and a dash to the car. There’s usually time to get your bearings. And you don’t have to handle it alone: your doctor and the midwives are there for every question.

What are the signs that labour is starting?

According to the NHS, the most common are:

• Contractions – tightenings of the womb that become more regular, longer and stronger.
• A “show” – the mucus plug coming away: a sticky, pinkish discharge that has been “sealing” the cervix until now.
• Lower back pain or heaviness low in your tummy.
• Feeling like you need the loo – because of pressure from your baby’s head.
• Your waters breaking – it can be a sudden gush, but also a very quiet trickle.

Real or “practice” contractions?

In the last weeks, many women feel what are called Braxton Hicks contractions. They’re irregular, usually not very painful, and often settle down when you rest or change position. Real labour contractions get stronger, become regular and don’t go away with rest.

When to call and when to go

The early phase of labour, especially with a first baby, can last for hours. Many UK hospitals use as a guide the point when contractions are regular, strong, about 5 minutes apart and lasting a good number of seconds. But the rules vary, so it’s best to ask your doctor or hospital in advance: “When exactly should I call you, and when should I come in?”

When not to wait

The NHS advises contacting your doctor or hospital straight away if:

• your waters have broken – even without contractions (notice the colour of the fluid);
• you have vaginal bleeding;
• your baby is moving less than usual;
• you’re less than 37 weeks pregnant and think labour has started.

If you have severe pain that doesn’t ease between contractions, heavy bleeding, or you feel the baby is coming right here and now – call 112.

If your waters have broken but contractions haven’t started, don’t panic. According to the NHS, labour usually starts within 24 hours. If it doesn’t, doctors usually offer to induce it. The important thing is to stay in touch with them.

How to help yourself at home in the early phase

• move around if it feels good, or lean into a comfortable position;
• a warm shower or a hot-water bottle on your lower back can ease the pain;
• drink water and eat something light;
• breathe slowly and deeply through the contractions.

For the dads

Your mission is calm. A charged phone, a full tank of fuel, the hospital number saved and the route tried out in advance. And a hand that can be squeezed very, very hard.

📖 Read next: Hospital Bag for Labour: The Complete Checklist · Early Signs of Pregnancy: What’s Normal

In short

You don’t have to hit the “perfect” moment. When in doubt – call. You’re not being a nuisance; that’s exactly what they’re there for. Your body knows what it’s doing, and you’ll welcome your baby with more strength than you can imagine. 💛

Sources: NHS – Signs that labour has begun; Tommy’s – Symptoms and early signs of labour; The Dudley Group NHS – Am I in labour?.