How will I know when my labour might have started?

Every labour is unique and it is important to remember that there is no set pattern or timing of events. As a general guide, the main things to look for include:

• A mucousy show (also known as plug) is usually a blood stained or pinkish-streaked, jelly-like substance which can occur anytime from 37 weeks onwards. You do not need to do anything, and we don’t need to know. If however, you notice fresh blood loss you should contact us.
  
• Regular contractions There will be a change in the strength and length of contractions as they develop into a regular pattern and will be different from what you might have already felt. There is no time limit on how long early labour can take, but it can last for a number of days. As a guide, when true labour is underway, you will be having painful, regular contractions at least one every 5 minutes, each lasting around a minute. As contractions become more intense, it will become increasingly difficult to focus on anything else.
  
• Your waters (membranes) may break - this is when the bag of fluid (known as liquor) which surrounds your baby breaks and the fluid escapes without you having any control over it. The colour of the liquid is usually clear and you may feel very wet, or just a slight dampness. Once your waters have broken, you will continue to leak liquid up until the birth. It does not necessarily mean you will go into labour straightaway because waters can break before labour begins, during labour itself, or not until your baby is ready to be born. For more information about premature rupture of membranes (PROM), see our leaflet.

If you think your waters have broken it is important to ring us -we would like to see you.

If all is well,  you will be encouraged to return home again for up to 24-hours until labour establishes.  We advise you to stay at home as long as you can so that nothing interferes with your labour becoming established.

If you are unsure whether your labour has started or not, chances are it hasn’t!! If you come into hospital too early, your labour can sometimes slow down or stop. If labour doesn't establish you will be encouraged to go home again.

Ring us for advice first if you need to and always call before arriving so that we can be ready for you.

Don’t be too disappointed if we recommend that you go home again if your labour isn’t completely established. Home is the best place to be in early labour.

How long will labour take?

Every labour is different. It is normal for the first part to take a few days of irregular pains. Try not to clock watch or wear yourself out. Take plenty of rest, eat nourishing food and have plenty of drinks. As a general guide, with your first baby it can take 12-14 hours once your labour has become properly established.

NB: You will be aware if we have had any concerns about wither you or your baby. Please let us know these concerns when you ring us

early labour support leaflet

This page was last modified on Thu Jul 29 2010