Early Signs of Labour: When to Grab Your Bag and Go
Early Signs of Labour: When to Grab Your Bag and Go
"How will I know it's the real thing?" Every pregnant person asks this. Usually while having a Braxton Hicks contraction in the middle of Bunnings.
I'm Chauntel, founder of MaternityBag. I'm not a midwife, so I'll leave the medical side to the experts and point you to them along the way. But I can help you feel prepared, so when the moment comes, you're calm, your bag is by the door and you know who to call.
Early signs labour might be starting
Labour often starts slowly and quietly. Common early signs include:
- Tightenings or cramps that feel a bit like period pain
- A dull backache that comes and goes
- A "show". The mucus plug that sealed your cervix comes away, sometimes with a little blood.
- Your waters breaking. This can be a big gush or a slow trickle.
- Pressure low in your pelvis as baby moves down
- Needing the toilet more, or an upset tummy
You might have one of these, all of them, or none until things really get going. Every labour is different. Even your second can be completely different from your first.
Real contractions vs practice ones
Braxton Hicks are practice tightenings. They're usually irregular, don't get stronger, and often ease off when you change position, have a drink or rest. Labour contractions get longer, stronger and closer together over time. They don't settle when you lie down. Eventually they take all your focus, and you'll need to stop talking to breathe through them.
A simple tip: write your contractions down in a notebook so you don't have to hand over your phone app to the hospital staff. Your partner can time them while you focus on breathing.
When to call your hospital
Pregnancy, Birth and Baby, the Australian Government's pregnancy service, says it's time to go to hospital or your birth centre when you have regular contractions, at least three in 10 minutes for a first labour, that are getting stronger and need more of your focus.
They also suggest ringing the hospital to let them know you're coming, even if you're coping well. It helps them plan.
Your midwife may give you a different plan, especially if you've had a baby before (later labours are often quicker), you live a long way from the hospital, or you have a health condition. Always follow their advice.
Call straight away if:
- You're less than 37 weeks and think labour might be starting
- Your waters break, especially if the fluid is green, brown or smelly
- You have bleeding that's more than a light show
- Your baby is moving less than usual, or you're worried about movements
- You have constant, severe pain rather than pain that comes and goes
- You just feel something isn't right
Trust your gut. Midwives would much rather hear from you and reassure you than have you sit at home worrying. If it's an emergency, call triple zero (000).
What if they send me home?
It happens a lot, and it's not a failure. Early labour can be long, especially with a first baby. Pregnancy, Birth and Baby notes it's common to be checked and sent home for a while.
At home, try:
- Resting or sleeping if you can
- A warm shower
- Small snacks and plenty of water
- A slow walk around the backyard
- A movie you've seen a hundred times
Have these by the door from 36 weeks
- Your hospital bag, fully packed [link: When Should You Pack Your Hospital Bag?]
- Your pregnancy health record and Medicare card
- Your hospital's phone number saved in your phone and your partner's
- A charged phone and a long charger cable
- The car seat, fitted and ready for the trip home
- A towel and a waterproof sheet in the car, just in case your waters break on the way
Where MaternityBag fits
When your contractions start, the last thing you want to be doing is hunting for maternity pads and breast pads. That's the moment a pre-packed bag earns its keep.
Our Jewel is our most popular bag because it's just for mum and has everything she'll want after birth. Pop it in the overnight bag you already have, put it by the door, and that's one less thing to think about.
FAQs
What are the first signs of labour? Common early signs are tightenings, period-like cramps, backache, a show and your waters breaking.
When should I go to hospital in labour? Pregnancy, Birth and Baby suggests when you have regular contractions, at least three in 10 minutes for a first labour, that are getting stronger. Always call first and follow your midwife's plan.
What should I do if my waters break? Call your hospital or midwife. Note the time, the colour and whether there's any smell.
Can labour start without contractions? Yes. Sometimes your waters break first. Call your hospital for advice.
This article is general information only and isn't medical advice. Always follow the advice of your midwife or doctor. In an emergency, call 000.