When does labour begin? Indications and signals

The last few weeks of pregnancy are an exciting time full of anticipation and excitement. You may be wondering how you can tell that labour is about to begin. There are various signs to indicate this, but they are different for every woman and pregnancy.

Pre-labour or training contractions

A few weeks before your due date, you may already experience contractions known as pre-labour contractions or training contractions, also known as Braxton Hicks. If this is not your first pregnancy, you may even feel them as early as the 20th week of pregnancy. These contractions are irregular and less intense than labour contractions. Because your uterus is already training for the birth. But this training does not lead to dilation of the cervix.

A warm bath can help you distinguish these contractions from real ones: training contractions usually subside, while labour contractions become more intense.

Losing your mucus plug

Another sign that your due date is approaching is the discharge of the mucus plug. This tough mucus plug protected your uterus and your baby from germs during pregnancy. When your cervix starts to open, the mucous plug can loosen and come out. This can happen a few days to a few weeks before birth. The mucous may be clear, pink or bloody. However, the discharge of the mucus plug alone does not mean that the birth is imminent.

Contractions

Contractions are the most obvious sign of the impending birth of your baby. Real contractions are regular and will become more intense and painful over time. It often begins as a pulling back pain and radiates forwards into the lower abdomen. Regularity is an important indicator: If your contractions come at increasingly shorter intervals and last longer, they are probably labour pains. The rule of thumb here is: if your contractions come every five to ten minutes and last about a minute, it’s time to go to the hospital or birthing centre.

Rupture of membranes

You have probably seen films in which the birth begins with a dramatic rupture of the membranes and a lot of amniotic fluid is suddenly released. Don’t let that fool you. In reality, this often happens only during labour. When your waters break, the amniotic fluid may come out in gushes or droplets. A rupture of the membranes usually means that labour will begin within the next 24 hours. It is important that you contact your midwife or the hospital immediately after a rupture of membranes, especially if the amniotic fluid is greenish or brown, as this may indicate a possible complication.

Nesting

A common sign that the birth of your baby is approaching is an unexpected burst of energy called nesting. Suddenly you have a strong urge to clean your home thoroughly, tidy up or make the final preparations for your baby. This boost of energy can occur a few days or hours before birth and is a natural instinct to prepare your home for the newborn.

Signs of upcoming birth in brief

• A few weeks before the birth, you may feel the first pre-labour and training contractions. They are irregular, less intense than the real ones, and usually subside in a warm bath.
• A few days to weeks before the birth, your mucus plug will come out. This is a sign that your cervix is opening.
• Real labour pains are the clearest sign. They are regular and get more intense over time. You feel contractions that start in your back and radiate forward.
• If you lose amniotic fluid, you will usually give birth within 24 hours.
• You suddenly have a burst of energy and the urge to prepare the home for your baby.