Labour is the process by which your baby is born. It usually starts by itself between 38 and 42 weeks. It ends up with you actively helping your baby to be born.
Signs of labour
There are several signs that labour might be starting, including:
- feeling contractions or tightenings
- a 'show' - this is when the mucous plug comes out of the vagina
- backache
- an urge to go to the toilet, which is caused by your baby's head pressing on your bowel
- your waters breaking or releasing (rupture of membranes)
Urgent advice: Call your midwife if:
- your waters break or release before labour starts
There is an increased risk of infection for your baby.
What to expect
Labour will usually begin with occasional contractions. This when your womb tightens. These will happen more often and last for longer as your labour continues.
Your waters may break naturally and the neck of your womb (cervix) will dilate (open) to allow your baby to be born.
For your first baby, this can take up to 18 hours. If you've already had a baby, it can take up to 12 hours. Sometimes the waters do not break until your baby is ready to be born.
Preparing your body for labour and birth
If you are having a hospital birth, you may be advised to stay at home at the start of labour.
When you go to the hospital or maternity unit, they will check you and admit you if you are in labour. They may also suggest you go home for a while.
Call your midwife if you're unsure or worried about anything.
Urgent advice: Call your midwife or go to the hospital if:
- you are less than 37 weeks pregnant and think you might be going into labour
You'll need to be checked in case you're going into premature labour.
