Top Signs Labour Is Starting: What to Look Out For

As your due date approaches, the excitement and anticipation of meeting your baby grows stronger. But how do you know when labour is actually starting? There are several signs that can indicate your body is preparing for the big day. Recognising these signs early can help you feel more in control and ready to take the next steps.

In this post, we will walk you through the top signs that labour is starting, so you know what to look out for and how to prepare for the exciting journey ahead.

1. Lightening (Baby Drops Lower)

One of the first signs many women notice is when their baby seems to "drop" lower into the pelvis. This is called lightening. As your baby moves lower into the birth canal, it may give you a sense of relief as pressure is taken off your diaphragm and lungs. However, it may also increase pressure on your bladder, causing more frequent trips to the bathroom.

If you’re feeling like your baby is suddenly in a much lower position, this could be a sign that things are starting to gear up. It’s often noticed a few weeks before labour begins, but for some women, it may happen closer to the actual start of labour.

2. Mucus Plug (Show)

As your cervix begins to soften and dilate in preparation for birth, you might notice a mucus plug being released. This is a thick, jelly-like substance that seals the cervix during pregnancy. It is often referred to as the show.

The mucus plug can be clear, pinkish, or slightly bloody. While losing the mucus plug doesn’t necessarily mean that labour is imminent, it is a sign that your body is beginning the process of preparing for delivery. Some women lose their mucus plug days or even weeks before labour, while others may lose it just hours before they go into full labour.

3. Braxton Hicks Contractions

Throughout your pregnancy, you may have experienced Braxton Hicks contractions, which are irregular, mild contractions that help prepare your uterus for labour. These are often referred to as "practice contractions" and are typically painless or only mildly uncomfortable.

As you approach labour, Braxton Hicks contractions may become stronger and more frequent. The key difference between Braxton Hicks and real contractions is that Braxton Hicks contractions do not become regular, and they usually ease off if you change position or rest. If you experience contractions that increase in intensity and come at regular intervals, you may be experiencing the early signs of labour.

4. Backache and Pelvic Pressure

As your baby descends lower into the pelvis, you may start to feel more pressure in your pelvic area. This feeling can be uncomfortable, especially if your baby’s head is pressing on your cervix. Along with pelvic pressure, many women experience lower back pain or backache.

This can be a sign that your body is getting ready for the labour process, as the muscles and ligaments are starting to stretch and loosen. Some women feel this backache intermittently, while for others, it may become more constant as they approach labour.

Check out our other blog on pelvis pain - for more information!

👉 [https://www.thebloomcollaboration.co.uk/blog/pain-in-pregnancy-whats-normal-whats-abnormal-and-when-to-call-the-midwife] 

5. Water Breaking (Amniotic Sac Rupture)

For some women, their waters breaking is the first clear sign that labour is starting. When the amniotic sac ruptures, it releases fluid from around the baby. You may feel a sudden gush of water or a slow trickle.

If your waters break, it’s important to contact your midwife or hospital straight away, Especially if the waters are blood stained, green or brown as may indicate baby has passed meconium (their first poo). In some cases, labour will start soon after your water breaks, but not always. Even if contractions haven’t started, it’s essential to let your healthcare team know so they can advise you on next steps. Most NHS Hospitals will allow you to stay at home for up to 24 hours after your waters break (if you are low risk so ensure that you have discussed this with your midwife). In some cases your waters may not go at all and some babies are born in the waters this is known as “en caul”. 

6. The Onset of Regular Contractions

The most definitive sign that labour is beginning is regular contractions. These contractions will gradually become stronger, longer, and closer together. Unlike Braxton Hicks contractions, real labour contractions don’t go away when you change position or relax. As time progresses, they will become more intense, and you may feel them in your lower abdomen, lower back, or even your thighs.

You can track contractions by how often they are coming. You start the timer when the contraction starts and then when it stops you then stop the timer and then start again when the next one comes, we aim for you to have a good 3 contractions within a 10 minute period, with each contraction lasting roughly 45 seconds or more. 

7. Cervical Effacement and Dilation

As your body prepares for labour, your cervix will begin to soften and thin out—a process known as effacement. At the same time, the cervix begins to dilate, or open, in preparation for the birth of your baby. Effacement and dilation are things your midwife will check during your antenatal appointments.

Now it is really important to remember that midwives and doctors do not just focus on the dilatation when they perform any vaginal examination. 

The best way I usually explain effacement in the cervix, is if you feel the length of your nose you know the consistency is hard and rigid, this is like your cervix when you are pregnant and not in labour. When you start contracting your cervix because soft and stretch, similar to your lips consistency. So do not be discouraged by dilatation (how many cm’s you are) because as health professionals we know your cervix needs to soften first before opening up.  

Be Prepared with Bloom Club

As you near the end of your pregnancy, it’s normal to have lots of questions and even some anxieties about labour. The good news is that you don’t have to navigate this stage alone! Bloom Club offers an amazing range of resources to support you through your pregnancy and birth journey, including expert advice and helpful videos on the signs of labour, breathing techniques, and what to expect during your birth.

For just £9.99 a month, you’ll get access to exclusive videos, in-depth educational content, and expert guidance from experienced midwives. Whether you want to understand the stages of labour better or get tips on how to manage contractions, Bloom Club is here to provide you with everything you need to feel confident and supported as you approach your big day.

Join Bloom Club today and start your journey towards a positive birth experience.
👉 [Click here to join Bloom Club now and get the support you deserve!]

Fancy just having a quick chat with us before signing up or chatting through your pregnancy/ want a birth debrief - we are here for it! 

👉[Click here to book an appointment this week with the Bloom Midwives]

Check out our Free E-books to help you learn more about your pregnancy and birth and feel more knowledgable walking into this experience! 

👉[The Ultimate Pregnancy E-book: From Bump to Baby]

👉 [Take Charge of Your Birth E-book] 

You’ve got this—take control of your birth experience with all the knowledge and support you need to feel empowered. 💕

Sam & Sorcha 

@Bloom_midwives