In the final weeks of pregnancy, your body gives a mix of subtle and obvious signals that labour may be near. Most of these signs mean labour is approaching, not that it's happening right now — knowing the difference is what actually helps you stay calm instead of rushing to the hospital too early or waiting too long.
Signs that labour may be approaching
- Baby "drops" (lightening) — you may feel the baby move lower into your pelvis; breathing often gets easier, but pelvic pressure and frequent urination increase
- Increased pelvic pressure and back pain — a dull, persistent ache in the lower back or heaviness in the pelvis
- Cervical changes begin — your cervix starts to soften, thin (efface), and open (dilate), usually only confirmed during an internal examination
- Loss of the mucus plug ("show") — a thick, jelly-like discharge, sometimes blood-tinged, signalling the cervix is beginning to open
- Irregular contractions (Braxton Hicks) — tightenings that are irregular, usually mild, and often settle with rest or hydration
- Loose motions or nausea — hormonal changes before labour can cause mild diarrhoea or an unsettled stomach
- A sudden burst of energy ("nesting instinct") — an urge to clean, organise, or get everything ready before the baby arrives
What actual labour contractions feel like
Real labour contractions are different from Braxton Hicks in three specific ways:
- They become regular and more frequent rather than staying irregular
- They increase in intensity over time rather than staying mild
- They don't stop with rest — this is one of the strongest signs that labour has genuinely started, typically lasting around 45–60 seconds each
When to go to the hospital
Some signs mean it's time to head in rather than wait and watch:
- Contractions coming every 5 minutes, each lasting around 45–60 seconds
- Your water breaks — a sudden gush or continuous leaking of fluid
- You notice decreased baby movements
- Heavy vaginal bleeding
Water breaking or heavy bleeding need immediate evaluation regardless of whether contractions have started yet — don't wait to see if labour follows.
Why some signs come days before labour and others mean it's happening now
The early signs (baby dropping, cervical softening, the mucus plug) can appear days or even weeks before labour actually starts, since they reflect your body gradually preparing rather than labour beginning. The hospital-now signs are different: they reflect something your doctor needs to assess promptly, whether or not labour has clearly begun. When in doubt about which category a symptom falls into, calling your doctor or maternity unit to describe it is always reasonable — you don't need to self-diagnose which stage you're in before reaching out.
Frequently asked
Can labour start without my water breaking first?
Yes, this is actually the more common pattern. Many women have regular, intensifying contractions well before the water breaks, and some don't experience it breaking on its own at all before delivery. Water breaking first is not required for labour to be genuinely underway.
How do I tell Braxton Hicks contractions from real labour at home?
Real labour contractions become progressively more regular, more frequent, and more intense, and they don't ease off with rest, position changes, or hydration. Braxton Hicks are typically irregular, don't intensify over time, and often settle down on their own.
What if I'm not sure whether what I'm feeling counts as decreased baby movement?
Trust the change rather than trying to count a specific number yourself. If movement feels noticeably different or reduced compared to your baby's usual pattern, contact your doctor rather than waiting to see if it changes.