The main signs of labor are regular contractions that get stronger, longer, and closer together, a “bloody show” (pinkish or brownish mucus), and your waters breaking. In general, go to the hospital when your contractions become regular and strong, when your waters break, or right away if you notice warning signs such as heavy bleeding, reduced baby movements, or severe pain. Every labor is different, so it helps to know what to expect and to agree on a plan with your obstetrician before your due date.
What Happens in Your Body When Labor Begins
Labor is the process by which your body prepares to deliver your baby. The muscles of your uterus (womb) tighten and relax in waves called contractions. Over time, these contractions help the cervix, the lower opening of the uterus, to soften, thin out, and open (dilate). This lets your baby move down through the birth canal.
Most babies are born between 37 and 42 weeks of pregnancy, which is considered full term. Doctors do not fully understand exactly what starts labor. It is thought to involve a mix of hormonal signals from both the mother and the baby. Because of this, nobody can predict the exact day labor will begin. Your due date is only an estimate.
Early Signs That Labor May Be Near
In the days or weeks before labor, you may notice some changes. These do not always mean labor is starting today, but they show your body is getting ready:
- The baby “drops”: Your baby may settle lower into your pelvis. Breathing may feel easier, but you may need to pass urine more often.
- Loss of the mucus plug: A thick, jelly-like discharge may come out of the vagina. It can be clear, pink, or slightly streaked with blood. This is often called a “bloody show.”
- Lower back ache or cramps: Some women feel a dull ache in the lower back or period-like cramps.
- Loose stools: Some women have diarrhea shortly before labor begins.
- A burst of energy: Some women feel a sudden urge to clean and prepare the home, sometimes called “nesting.”
True Labor vs. False Labor
Many women have practice contractions, called Braxton Hicks contractions, in the later months of pregnancy. These can feel like a tightening of the belly and can be uncomfortable. Telling them apart from real labor is one of the most common worries for expectant mothers.
False labor (Braxton Hicks) contractions usually:
- Come at irregular times and do not get closer together
- Stay the same strength or become weaker
- Ease or stop when you rest, walk, change position, or drink water
- Are felt mostly in the front of the belly
True labor contractions usually:
- Come at regular intervals and get closer together over time
- Become stronger and last longer
- Continue even when you rest or change position
- Often start in the lower back and wrap around to the front
Your Waters Breaking
The amniotic sac is the fluid-filled bag that surrounds your baby. When it breaks, you may feel a sudden gush of fluid or a slow, steady trickle that you cannot control. The fluid is normally clear or pale and has little or no smell. For some women, the waters break before contractions begin. For others, they break during labor. Whenever it happens, you should contact your doctor or midwife or go to the hospital, even if you are not yet having contractions.
What You Can Do When Labor Starts
Early labor can last many hours, especially with a first baby. If you are healthy, your pregnancy has been low-risk, your waters have not broken, and you have no warning signs, your care provider may suggest staying at home during the early stage. Here are some things that may help:
- Time your contractions. Note when each contraction starts and how long it lasts. Count from the start of one contraction to the start of the next. A notebook or phone app can make this easier.
- Rest when you can. If labor starts at night, try to sleep or lie down between contractions to save your energy.
- Stay hydrated and eat lightly. Sip water and have small, easy-to-digest snacks unless your doctor has told you otherwise.
- Move and change positions. Walking, swaying, or leaning forward on a chair or birth ball may ease discomfort.
- Try comfort measures. A warm shower, gentle back massage, and slow, steady breathing can help you cope.
- Get ready to go. Keep your hospital bag, pregnancy records, and identity documents near the door. Arrange transport ahead of time so you do not have to rush.
- Keep your support person informed. Let your partner or a family member know labor may be starting so they can be ready to help.
When to Go to the Hospital in Normal Labor
Follow the specific advice your obstetrician gives you, as it may depend on your health, your pregnancy, and how far you live from the hospital. A commonly used guide for first-time mothers is the “5-1-1” pattern: contractions that come about every 5 minutes, last about 1 minute each, and continue this way for at least 1 hour. If you have given birth before, labor may move faster, so you may be advised to go in sooner.
You should also go to the hospital if:
- Your waters break, even without contractions
- The pain is so strong that you can no longer walk or talk through a contraction
- You feel a strong urge to push
- You live far from the hospital or traffic may delay you
- You simply feel unsure or worried. It is always acceptable to call or be checked.
When to See a Doctor: Danger Signs
Some signs need urgent medical attention. Go to the hospital immediately, or call emergency services, if you notice any of the following:
- Heavy vaginal bleeding, more than a light bloody show, or bleeding with clots
- Fluid that is green, brown, or foul-smelling when your waters break
- Your baby is moving less than usual or you cannot feel movements
- Severe, constant abdominal pain that does not ease between contractions
- Severe headache, blurred vision, or seeing spots, especially with sudden swelling of the face or hands
- Seizures (fits) or fainting
- Fever or chills
- Difficulty breathing or chest pain
- Something felt or seen in the vagina, such as the umbilical cord. If this happens, get emergency help immediately.
- Regular contractions, waters breaking, or pelvic pressure before 37 weeks, which may be a sign of preterm labor
Do not wait to see if these symptoms go away on their own. Getting help quickly can make an important difference for both you and your baby.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does labor usually last?
It varies a great deal from woman to woman. First labors tend to take longer, and the early stage can last many hours or even longer. Later births are often quicker. Your care team will monitor your progress and support you along the way.
Can I tell when labor will start?
No one can predict the exact day. Signs like the baby dropping or losing the mucus plug suggest that labor is getting closer, but it may still be days or even weeks away. Regular, strengthening contractions or your waters breaking are clearer signs that labor is starting.
What if I go to the hospital and it is not real labor yet?
This happens often and is nothing to be embarrassed about. The staff may check you and your baby. If everything is normal and labor is still very early, they may suggest you return home to rest. It is always better to be checked than to stay home with a worry.
Should I go in if my waters break but I have no contractions?
Yes. Contact your doctor or go to the hospital. Once the waters break, your care team will want to check you and your baby, look at the color of the fluid, and plan the next steps to lower the risk of infection.
Knowing the signs of labor can help you feel calmer and more prepared as your due date approaches. Because every pregnancy is unique, talk with your obstetrician during your antenatal visits about your personal birth plan, when to come to the hospital, and which signs need urgent care. Your doctor can give you advice that fits your health and your pregnancy, so you can welcome your baby with confidence.
This article is for general education and does not replace examination, diagnosis, or treatment by a doctor. If you have symptoms or concerns, please consult an obstetrician-gynecologist. See our Medical Disclaimer.