Key summary
There are three stages of labour – stage one is when you’ll see some of the earliest signs of labour; stage two is the active delivery stage; and stage three is when the placenta is delivered.
Some of the earliest signs of labour include back pain, cramps and diarrhoea.
When you start to notice signs your body is getting ready for labour, contact your doctor or midwife and follow their instructions. You can generally stay at home while you experience the early labour signs and symptoms. When your contractions are five minutes apart you need to go to the hospital.
What are the early signs of labour
The early signs of labour are different for every woman but there are some general signs to look out for that can include some of the following.
Lower back pain: Movements in your uterus can pull on pelvic muscles and create lower back pain – this is one of the common signs that labour is beginning.
Period-like cramps: These are mild to strong cramps that often start in the back.
Diarrhoea: Your body may instinctively try to create as much room as possible for the baby, so diarrhoea pre-labour is not uncommon.
Waters breaking: You can tell your water has broken if you experience a sudden gushing of fluid from the vagina; fluid trickles from the vagina but quickly soaks through a pad; fluid is clear, slightly pink or a pale straw-like colour; or the fluid doesn’t smell like urine. This is one of the clear signs of labour and an indicator that you need to go to the hospital or location where you’re going to give birth.
A ‘show’: A show is the cervical mucus plug ‘dropping’. It looks different to most usual vaginal discharge – it is sticky and jelly-like, and generally pink in colour or slightly bloody. The show may be one blob or several small chunks. Not every woman has a show.
How do I know when the first stage of labour has begun?
You’re in labour when your contractions are regular, last for longer and are increasing in strength. The first stage of labour is actually broken into three stages: think of these as your labour starting signs.
First Stage: Latent phase
The cervix thins out and dilates up to three centimetres. This can take hours, days or even weeks. This phase – with its early labour signs – is generally not too painful, but you may experience contractions. These contractions could be uncomfortable, or you might not even notice them.
Second Stage: Active phase
The cervix dilates from three centimetres to seven or eight during this phase. Contractions will grow stronger and likely begin to get painful. Contractions will be occurring roughly three to five minutes apart in this phase and you may see more of those early signs and symptoms of labour.
Third Stage: Transition phase
The cervix dilates to ten centimetres, which is ‘fully dilated’. Contractions get closer together and are more painful than before. At this point, the baby’s head can push against the rectum so you may feel the need to release your bowels (another one of the early signs of labour).
Once your cervix is ten centimetres dilated, you will enter the second stage of labour which involves pushing and the birthing of your baby. Read up on the stages of labour for more on each of the stages.
Understanding the Difference Between False Labour and True Labour
During pregnancy you might feel the muscles across your stomach tightening. This is normal and called Braxton Hicks contractions (you might also hear it called ‘false’ contractions). This is your body preparing to give birth. The feeling is different to contractions because it’s irregular and usually only lasts for about 30 seconds at a time. Check out the signs of false labour early in your pregnancy so you know what to look out for.
How to cope when labour begins
By now you’ll have talked to your doctor or midwife and have a plan for what to do in this early stage of labour. Follow their directions and these general tips.
Monitor your contractions: When they’re about five minutes apart or occurring at regular and painful intervals, it’s time to get to the place you intend to give birth.
Practice relaxation techniques: Try breathing exercises and meditation techniques to help you cope with contractions. Warm baths can also help you relax.
Move about: If you feel like it, move around the house.
Have a snack: You can still snack in the latent phase of labour, though you may not have an appetite. A healthy snack could be a good idea because you’re about to expend a lot of energy.
Keep your fluids up: Drink plenty of water or juice or have ice blocks. You need to stay hydrated.
Try to get some rest: This can be tricky but rest as much as you can.
When to Contact Your Healthcare Provider
As soon as you think you’re in labour, call your doctor or midwife. They will advise you of what to do next and give you a general idea of when to go to hospital with your labour symptoms taken into account.
Generally it’s fine to stay at home during early labour – you’ll be more comfortable in your own surroundings. Once your contractions are about five minutes apart, you should head to the place you’re going to give birth. If you live a distance from the hospital, factor travel time into the equation. If your water breaks or you experience bleeding from the vagina, go to the hospital immediately.
How to prepare for labour
Here are some handy tips on things you need to tick off before you go into labour.
Pack a hospital bag Keeping a go-bag near the door saves you time and stress later. Use this hospital bag checklist as a guide on what to pack.
Arrange childcare If you have other kids at home, don’t forget to arrange childcare for them beforehand.
Learn breathing techniques Relaxation techniques are a great way to calm the nerves while you wait out the early signs of giving birth. Calming your labour fears is good for both you and the baby.
Organise a support person Make sure your support person is organised and ready to go – here’s a hospital checklist for your support person to make sure they have all the basics, like phone chargers, covered.