This information is for general guidance only.

It does not replace advice from your midwife, GP or healthcare team. Read more about our approach.

Signs of labour: how to know when labour has started

Most babies are born between 37 and 42 weeks, and the early signs of labour can begin days or even weeks before active labour starts. It is completely normal to feel anxious about whether you will recognise the moment, especially if this is your first baby.

There are three main signs to watch for: a show, your waters breaking, and contractions. You might experience one, two, or all three, and they can appear in any order. This guide walks through each one, gives you a contraction timer, and explains exactly when to call your maternity unit.

The three main signs of labour

A “show” (mucus plug)

What it is

A plug of mucus that has sealed your cervix throughout pregnancy. When your cervix begins to soften and open, the plug comes away.

What it looks like

Pink, brown, or blood-streaked jelly-like discharge. It can come out as one lump or as thicker discharge over a few days.

What it means

Your cervix is starting to prepare for labour. A show is a positive sign but not an emergency. Labour might be hours or days away.

When to call

If bleeding is bright red and heavy, rather than pink-tinged mucus, call your maternity unit straight away.

Waters breaking (rupture of membranes)

What it is

The amniotic sac that cushions your baby ruptures, releasing amniotic fluid through the vagina.

What it feels like

It can be a sudden gush or a slow steady trickle. Both are completely normal. Some people feel a small pop first.

What to do

Call your maternity unit straight away. Note the time, colour (should be clear or pale yellow), and rough amount. Put on a maternity pad so your midwife can check the fluid.

Urgent: call if green or brown

Green or brown waters suggest your baby has passed meconium and may be in distress. Call the maternity unit immediately. Do not use a tampon and do not have a bath after waters break.

Contractions

What they feel like

A tightening sensation across the whole abdomen. Many describe them as strong period pains or a deep ache in the lower back, coming in waves.

vs. Braxton Hicks

Braxton Hicks are irregular and ease off when you change position or rest. Real labour contractions get longer, stronger and closer together.

The 5-1-1 rule

Call your maternity unit when contractions come every 5 minutes, last around 1 minute, and have continued for at least 1 hour. This pattern usually signals established active labour.

Time my contractions

Tap start when a contraction begins, end when it fades. We will calculate the pattern. Nothing is saved or sent anywhere.

Last duration

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Avg. frequency

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Since last ended

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Rule of thumb (the 5-1-1 rule): call your maternity unit when contractions come every 5 minutes, each lasting 1 minute, for at least 1 hour.

When to call your maternity unit

Call your maternity unit now

  • Your waters have broken (any colour)
  • Contractions every 5 minutes, lasting around 60 seconds
  • You feel that something is wrong
  • Reduced or absent baby movements
  • You have been told you have a higher-risk pregnancy

Monitor at home

  • Irregular, mild contractions (early labour)
  • A show with no other symptoms
  • Waters intact and baby moving normally

What happens when you call

When you call your maternity unit, a midwife will talk you through a few gentle questions: when your contractions started, how often they are coming, how long each lasts, whether your waters have broken, how you are feeling, and when your baby is due. They may also ask about your baby's movements.

Depending on your answers, they will either invite you in to be assessed, or suggest staying home a little longer as early labour can take many hours. This is completely normal and does not mean you are not “in labour enough”. Being at home, where you are relaxed, often helps labour progress.

Coping with early labour at home

Keep moving gently

Walking, swaying or gentle stretches can help labour progress and ease discomfort.

Warm bath or shower

If your waters have not broken, a warm (not hot) bath can ease contractions and help you relax.

Try a TENS machine

TENS is most effective when started in early labour, before contractions become intense.

Eat light snacks

Slow-release foods like toast, banana or porridge can keep your energy up through labour.

Stay hydrated

Sip water regularly. Dehydration can intensify contractions and make you feel worse.

Rest between contractions

If labour starts at night, try to rest as much as you can. You will need the energy later.

Related guides and tools

What happens during each stage→ Prepare your birth plan→ Pain relief in labour→ Hospital bag checklist→

A note from our team

This guide reflects NHS UK guidance on the signs of labour. If you have any concerns, trust your instincts and call your maternity unit — they would far rather hear from you. Read more about us.

Frequently asked questions

How do I know if it is real labour or Braxton Hicks?
Braxton Hicks contractions are usually irregular, short and fade when you change position, drink water or rest. Real labour contractions get longer, stronger and closer together over time. If you are unsure, time them for an hour. If a clear pattern emerges and they are intensifying, it is likely real labour.
What does a show look like?
A show is the mucus plug that has sealed your cervix. It can come away as a single jelly-like lump or as slightly thicker discharge over a few days. It is usually pink, brown, or streaked with a little blood. Bright red, heavy bleeding is different and needs urgent medical attention.
How long after a show does labour start?
There is no fixed timeline. Some people go into labour within hours, others not for several days. A show on its own is not an emergency. You only need to call your maternity unit if it is accompanied by bleeding, waters breaking, or regular contractions.
What should I do when my waters break?
Note the time, colour and amount. Waters should be clear or pale yellow. Call your maternity unit straight away, even if you have no contractions yet. Use a maternity pad (not a tampon). Green or brown waters mean your baby may be in distress — call immediately.
Can labour start without a show or waters breaking?
Yes. Many people go into labour with contractions as the first sign, without having noticed a show and with waters still intact. Waters may not break until well into active labour, and sometimes a midwife will break them for you.