Early signs
Labour often starts with regular contractions that grow longer, stronger and closer together, a "show" (a plug of mucus, sometimes tinged with blood), and sometimes your waters breaking. Early (latent) labour can last many hours — rest, eat lightly and stay hydrated.
When to go in
A common guide is when contractions are strong, last about a minute and come every 5 minutes for an hour — but follow the advice of your own maternity unit. Go in sooner if your waters break, especially if the fluid is green or bloody.
Warning signs — call now
Contact your maternity team without delay for heavy bleeding, severe or constant pain, a noticeable drop in your baby’s movements, a bad headache with visual changes, or fluid that is green/brown. These need prompt assessment.
Real contractions or a false alarm?
In the final weeks, the womb often tightens irregularly: your bump goes hard for a few seconds, then softens again. These practice contractions, known as Braxton Hicks, are usually painless or only mildly uncomfortable, have no rhythm, and stop when you change position, walk about or rest.
Labour contractions stand out by their progression. They become regular, longer, stronger and closer together, and do not ease with rest or a change of position. Many women describe them as very strong period pains that build in a wave, sometimes with an ache in the lower back.
Noting the start time and length of each contraction helps you see the pattern. If you are unsure, ring the maternity unit: describing what you feel over the phone lets the midwife advise you, and nobody will mind a call that turns out to be nothing.
Getting through early labour at home
The latent phase is the start of labour, when the cervix softens and begins to open. It can last hours, sometimes more than a day, and if all is well you will often be advised to spend it at home. The aim is to save your energy for what comes next.
Alternate rest and movement as you feel like it: sleep if you can, walk, rock on a birth ball, have a warm bath or shower. Eat lightly when you feel like it and drink regularly. Breathing slowly and deeply through each contraction, letting your shoulders drop, helps you work with it rather than against it. A lower-back massage from your birth partner brings relief for many women.
If the pain becomes hard to manage, if you have any doubts, or if your unit’s guidance for coming in is met, ring them. Midwives would far rather take one extra call than see someone arrive too late.
When your waters break
Your waters may break as a sudden gush or a slow, steady trickle, which is sometimes mistaken for discharge or a leak of urine. Amniotic fluid is normally clear or slightly pink, does not smell like urine, and keeps coming when you stand up. Wearing a clean pad lets you check the colour and the amount.
Note the time and ring the maternity unit, even without contractions: once the waters have gone, the team will want to see you to check the baby and decide what happens next. Go in sooner if the fluid is green, brown or bloody, if the baby is moving less, if you have a fever, or if you have not yet reached full term.
In the meantime, avoid baths and sex, and do not put anything into the vagina. If you cannot tell whether it really is amniotic fluid, that uncertainty alone is reason enough to call.
Planning the journey in calmly
Well before the day, a little preparation makes leaving much calmer. Know which number to call, day or night, and keep it where you can see it. Check the route to the maternity unit, the entrance for maternity emergencies and where to park, and have a back-up plan if your driver is unavailable. If you are alone and labour is moving fast, call the emergency services rather than driving yourself.
Keep your bag ready with your ID, maternity notes and latest test results. Arrange care for older children and pets. Slip your birth plan in with them if you have one.
On the way, sit in the back with your seatbelt on and breathe through the contractions. On arrival, the team will assess how far along you are and may suggest going home if labour is not yet established. That is neither a failure nor a mistake, simply your body’s own pace.
Frequently asked questions
Can labour start without me realising?
The very beginning of labour can be subtle: a low backache, mild tightenings, heavier discharge. Most women notice once contractions become regular and steadily build. If you are unsure whether something is starting, ring your maternity unit or midwife and talk it through with them.
Does losing the mucus plug mean the baby is coming?
Not necessarily straight away. The show, a jelly-like plug sometimes streaked with blood, can come away hours or days before labour starts. Bright red bleeding, however, is not a show: contact the maternity unit without delay so they can check you and the baby.
How can I tell amniotic fluid from urine?
Amniotic fluid is clear or pinkish, does not smell like urine, and keeps coming even when you change position. Put on a clean pad and watch. If you are not sure, ring the maternity unit: they can check, and calling for nothing is better than calling too late.
What if my baby moves less during labour?
A noticeable drop in your baby’s movements, before or during labour, should be reported to the maternity unit or your midwife straight away, not left until the next day or your next appointment. A prompt check will confirm whether all is well with the baby.
Can I eat and drink during labour?
In early labour at home, eating lightly and drinking regularly is advised to keep your energy up. Once at the unit, the team will tell you what is possible for your situation and under local protocols. Do not hesitate to ask as soon as you arrive.
What if labour has not started by my due date?
Going past the due date is common; it is only an estimate. Your midwife or doctor will arrange monitoring and discuss the options with you if the pregnancy continues. In the meantime, keep an eye on your baby’s movements and call about anything that seems unusual.
This article gives general information. It does not replace advice from a healthcare professional.
Sources
Sources checked on 2026-09-06.