Signs of Labour: What to Watch and When to Call

Signs of Labour in pregnancy: how to think about it

NHS guidance describes several signs that labour may be starting: contractions or tightening that become regular and stronger, a show where the mucus plug comes away and may be tinged with blood, backache, an upset stomach, and waters breaking. Early or latent labour can last a long time, which is why the guidance separates the stage where staying home is reasonable from the point where contact matters. The signals that prompt immediate contact are specific rather than general. Waters breaking matters because the protective barrier is gone and the colour indicates whether the baby has passed meconium. Bleeding needs assessment because it can indicate a problem with the placenta. Contractions before 37 weeks matter because preterm labour changes what care is offered. And a change in baby movements at any point, including during labour, is treated the same way it is throughout pregnancy: call immediately.

Signs of Labour: safer choices

• Contacting your midwife or maternity unit when contractions become regular, last around a minute and come roughly every five minutes, or sooner if you are unsure.
• Expecting early labour to take time. NHS describes a latent phase that can last hours or longer, particularly in a first pregnancy.
• Staying at home in early labour if you are comfortable and have been advised to, using a warm bath, movement and paracetamol for the early stage.
• Contacting the unit at any hour if you are worried, even if the signs are ambiguous. Being checked unnecessarily is expected and welcome.

Signs of Labour: what to avoid or double-check

• Do not wait to call if your waters break, whatever the colour, and note the time and colour to report.
• Do not wait if there is any vaginal bleeding, if the fluid is green or brown, or if you feel feverish or unwell.
• Do not ignore a change in baby movements during early labour. Movements should continue during labour, and any change needs the same immediate call as at any other stage.
• Do not assume it is too early to be taken seriously. Contractions before 37 weeks need contact straight away, since that is preterm labour.

How SafeMama helps

SafeMama is a label checker rather than a labour guide, but it can help with what you might use in early labour at home, including which painkillers are appropriate, where paracetamol is the usual first choice.

Open the SafeMama app, scan the barcode or search the ingredient, then use the result as a starting point for a conversation with your healthcare provider.

Sources

• NHS signs that labour has begun
• NHS your baby movements
• ACOG preterm labor and birth