Giving birth - early signs of labour

What are the early signs of labour?

The early signs of labour are physical and hormonal changes your body makes, as it gets ready for birth. These might include:

• cramps that may feel like period pain
• low backache
• frequent bowel motions or loose stools (poo)
• a change in vaginal discharge
• bloodstained discharge (a 'show')
• your waters breaking

You may also notice Braxton Hicks contractions, sometimes called practice contractions, in the weeks before labour. These are contractions that help the uterus prepare for labour, but don't open the cervix like labour contractions.

Braxton Hicks contractions are irregular and usually painless, but they may become uncomfortable during the third trimester. Labour contractions will become more regular, stronger, longer and closer together as they progress.

You may also notice:

• your baby drops deeper into your pelvis
• more pressure on your bladder and the need to empty your bladder more often
• a sudden burst of energy and the urge to prepare for the baby, known as 'nesting'

Every pregnancy is different, and it's often not easy to tell when labour is starting. If you're unsure whether what you're feeling is true labour, contact your midwife or doctor for advice.

What is a 'show'?

A 'show' is bloodstained or pink-coloured mucous discharge that you might find on your underwear or when you wipe. It's the mucus plug that seals your cervix during pregnancy to protect against infection.

A 'show' means your cervix may be starting to soften and open. It can happen before your contractions start.

When will I notice early signs of labour?

Early signs of labour usually start from around 37 weeks of pregnancy. You may notice your baby's head engaging (dropping into your pelvis) during this time, or other early signs of labour.

Labour can start differently for everyone. The first stage of labour may last for hours or days. At first, contractions may be mild and irregular. You may hardly notice them. As labour progresses, your contractions become more intense and regular.

If you notice early signs of labour before 37 weeks, contact your midwife or doctor and let them know.

How do I know I am in labour?

You are in labour when your contractions become regular, longer, stronger and closer together. These are different from Braxton Hicks contractions, which help your body prepare for labour, but do not open the cervix.

Labour contractions start to thin (efface) and open (dilate) the cervix.

Labour is different for everyone. The first stage of labour is the longest. Its length can vary a lot between births. It usually lasts longer for your first birth, and shorter if you have given birth before.

If you have had a normal pregnancy, it is best to stay home during early labour, where you are free to move around and do what feels right for you. This applies whether you are planning to give birth in a hospital, with a private midwife, in a birth centre, Birthing on Country, or in a rural or remote setting. If you live in a rural or remote location, be sure to discuss what to do when contractions start with your pregnancy care provider ahead of time.

You can also contact your midwife or doctor at any time if you are unsure, need support, or want advice about when to travel to your chosen place of birth.

Self-care during early labour

Tips to help yourself during the early signs of labour include:

• empty your bladder regularly to help you move into different positions and feel more comfortable
• stand and move around to manage pain during contractions and help your labour progress naturally
• drink water to stay hydrated and eat light meals to give you energy
• walk around and do gentle stretches
• rest if your early labour is long
• use breathing or relaxation techniques that work for you
• ask your birth partner, midwife or support person for comfort measures, such as massage or reassurance

When should I contact my midwife or doctor?

You can contact your midwife or doctor at any time if you are unsure, need support or want advice about when to travel to your chosen place of birth. If you are having a homebirth, call your midwife to let them know you have started having contractions.

There are signs that your baby might be in distress. Call your midwife or doctor straight away if:

• your waters break and the fluid is green or brown — this might mean that your baby has passed meconium (poo) and may be distressed
• you have bleeding from your vagina
• your contractions start or you have other signs of labour before 37 weeks — you may be at risk of premature labour
• you are worried about your baby's movements
• you have a feeling of strong pressure in your vagina or bottom or an urge to push

Resources and support

If you'd like more information or support, the following organisations and services can help:

• The Australian Government has a range of pregnancy information resources.
• The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists provides an easy-to-read fact sheet on labour and birth.

Information for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples

• Birthing on Country supports culturally safe, community-led maternity care for First Nations families.
• Find an Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (ACCHO) near you.

Languages other than English

• The Multicultural Centre for Women's Health offers a library of pregnancy, birth and other resources in many languages.
• Monash Health has health information translated into many languages, including pregnancy care topics.

Information for sexually and gender-diverse families

• Rainbow Health Australia has a library of practical resources on services for sexually and gender-diverse families.
• QLife is a free, national phone and webchat service that provides anonymous peer support and referrals for sexually and gender-diverse people and their families.