Signs Of Labour

There are several signs of labour that could indicate your baby is on his way. These can be classed into two categories: possible indicators and absolute signs. The only true sign that labour is underway is the occurrence of frequent and regular contractions that are causing your cervix to dilate but there are signs that occur before this. Having a show: During pregnancy a plug of jelly-like mucus seals the lower end of your cervix to prevent infection getting into your womb. This plug comes away towards the end of your pregnancy and although it may mean that labour is going to start it can dislodge up to six weeks before.

Contractions: Time your contractions from the beginning of one to the beginning of the next, also how often they occur. As a rough guide if they are less than 30 minutes apart and painful you should contact your midwife or labour ward.

Waters Break: If you are between 37 and 42 weeks pregnant and your waters break without contractions having begun it is likely that you will go into labour within 24 hours.