​Am I in Labour?

Patient Information Leaflet

Introduction 

This leaflet is for women with normal pregnancies who are over 37 weeks into their pregnancy. It gives information on the signs that your labour may be beginning, and what to do if you are concerned. 

What if I am worried? 

What are the signs of labour? 

You will probably recognise the signs of labour when the time comes, but if you are in any doubt, please contact the Maternity Triage team. 

The main signs of labour starting are strong, regular contractions and a ‘show’. A show is when the plug of mucus from your cervix comes away. 

Other signs that labour is beginning include: your waters breaking, backache and an urge to go to the toilet, which is caused by your baby’s head pressing on your bowel. 

You need to contact the Maternity Triage team for advice in some cases. 

Call the Maternity Triage team if: 

• If you experience any bleeding (red blood loss). 

• Your waters break – this can be felt as a gush of fluid or sometimes as a steady trickle. 

• Regular, rhythmic contractions lasting for more than 45 seconds. Please ring the hospital when they are every five minutes. 

You do not need to contact the hospital if: 

• You experience Braxton Hicks contractions. These are contractions often felt from mid pregnancy. The abdomen (tummy area) feels hard to touch and they may be uncomfortable. 

• You have a show. This is a clear or pink mucous discharge from the vagina. It may contain streaks of blood. It shows that changes are happening to the cervix, and it can happen weeks before delivery. 

What are the stages of labour? 

There are various stages of labour:  

The early stage or latent phase of labour 

The start of labour is called the latent phase. This is when your cervix becomes soft and thin and starts opening for your baby to be born. This can take hours or sometimes days. 

Some women will have backache and cramps, or bouts of contractions that may last a few hours and then stop and start up again the next day. This is perfectly normal. 

First stage of labour 

The cervix dilates to 10cm. You will experience regular, painful contractions usually lasting 45 to 60 seconds at least every three to five minutes. The length of this stage varies, depending on factors such as if this is your first baby or not. 

Second stage of labour 

The cervix is fully open, and the baby moves down through the birth canal and is born. The time this stage takes varies, depending on factors such as if this is your first baby or not. 

Third stage of labour 

This is when the placenta (afterbirth) is delivered.

How can I help myself when labour has started? 

It is important to try and relax. Keep your breathing deep, steady and slow during a contraction. This will prevent you from using extra energy. Once the contraction is wearing off, close your eyes and allow your body to rest before the next one. If you can try and sleep, it will help you later in your labour. 

Distraction can help. You can try watching your favourite film, reading or listening to music. Take a warm bath or shower, at regular intervals. You will find the warmth of the water soothing and relaxing. 

You may want to call your birthing partner for added support during this time. They can massage your back and help you get into positions to help you to deal with the contractions. 

It is also important to remain active without exhausting yourself during this time. Gentle exercise, such as a walk or stretching, will help you relax. Stop if you need to during a contraction.  

Upright, forward leaning or kneeling positions tend to help your baby into a good position and can ease pain. Rocking your pelvis and swaying your hips can also help. If you have a birthing ball, use it regularly as this too can help ease your pain. 

Try to eat small, light meals containing carbohydrates to help maintain your energy levels. Isotonic drinks will also give you energy and keep you hydrated. 

It is safe to take simple painkillers, such as paracetamol, if you can take it. You can take two (500mg) tablets, every four to six hours; however, do not take more than eight tablets within a 24-hour period.  

Some women hire a TENS machine. This is most effective if it is put on during the early stage of labour. Complementary therapies can be helpful but need to be used under the guidance of a qualified practitioner. 

When should I go to hospital?

Always call the Maternity Triage team before coming into hospital. The triage midwife will ask you some questions and give you advice based on your answers. 

When the midwife advises you to come into the hospital, take a bag packed with your belongings for labour. However, if your labour is not yet established, it is likely we will ask you to return home. This decision will be based on the findings of a thorough examination. Research has suggested that labour wards are not the best environment for women who are in the early stages of labour. 

If the triage midwife advises you to stay at home, you can call back at any time of the day or night whenever you need further advice. 

Very occasionally a labour can develop very quickly and if you feel your baby’s birth is about to happen, please ring for an emergency ambulance on 999. 

Can I find out more? 

You can find out more from the following weblinks: 

• NHS Choices:  http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/pregnancy-and-baby/pages/labour-signs-what-happens.aspx 
• National Childbirth Trust: http://www.nct.org.uk/sites/default/files/related_documents/Guide%20to%20labour%20booklet_11.pdf

If you have any questions, or if there is anything you do not understand, please contact the Russells Hall Hospital switchboard number on 01384 456111 and ask for the relevant department who issued this leaflet. If you have any feedback on this patient information leaflet please email dgft.patient.information@nhs.net

This leaflet can be made available in large print, audio version and in other languages, please call 0800 073 0510.

Originator: Maternity Documentation Group. Date reviewed: July 2025. Next review due: August 2028. Version:4 DGH ref: DGH/PIL/00867