7 early signs of labour: What to look out for

Labour doesn’t always kick off with your water breaking and contractions. In fact, some of the early signs can start hours, or even days, before active labour begins.

Here are a few common signs and symptoms to watch out for.

During pregnancy, your cervix is sealed by a mucus plug. As your cervix prepares for labour, this mucus plug is discharged into the vagina. This can look like a blood-stained stringy or sticky discharge, which can be pink, red or brown. This ‘show’ can happen several days before you go into labour, or it might not happen until labour itself.

If you’re less than 36 weeks pregnant and believe you’ve lost your mucus plug, contact your doctor so they can examine you and your cervix.

Despite what you see in the movies, only a small amount of people’s waters break in a dramatic gush of fluid. This amniotic fluid can trickle out over several days before full-blown labour and can often be mistaken for a bladder leak.

If you notice a fluid that doesn’t smell like urine and you have no control over its flow, this is probably your waters breaking.

In the late stages of pregnancy, you may find it harder to breathe. This is because your baby is lying under your diaphragm. Lightening occurs when your baby drops lower into your pelvis. This can make it easier to breathe but can press on your bladder, meaning more trips to the bathroom. Lightening is a sign that your baby is getting into a position that will support labour.

The nesting instinct can be strong, and the closer to labour you get, the more restless you’re likely to become. If you can, try to resist the temptation to clean every room in the house (you’ll need that energy for later!).

Fluctuating hormones are normal during pregnancy, but many people report mood swings prior to going into labour. If you’re feeling irritable, you have a headache or you’re more tired than usual, rest up and take it easy as this could be a sign your baby is on its way.

Stools that are looser than normal might be a sign of early labour. This is usually driven by hormones and is believed to be a way of emptying the bowels so your baby can move downwards.

If you have mild diarrhoea, stay hydrated and watch out for other signs of early labour. If you have several bouts of diarrhoea, call your doctor to rule out a bacterial infection.

Braxton Hicks are ‘practice contractions’ that feel like a tightening of your abdominal muscles. Painful for some while unnoticeable for others, they often start in the second trimester and are not a sign of early labour by themselves. Rather, Braxton Hicks are your body’s way of preparing for real labour.

During your pregnancy, it’s a great idea to consider your birth care options, so you’re comfortable with where and how you give birth.

If you’re concerned about any signs of early labour, or if you experience any of the symptoms mentioned in this article before you’re 37 weeks pregnant, talk to your doctor or midwife.