Quick answer: The main signs of labour are regular contractions that grow stronger, longer and closer together; the “show” (a blood-stained mucus plug); and your waters breaking. False labour eases with rest and does not progress. Go to the hospital when contractions are strong and regular or your waters break — and immediately for bleeding, reduced baby movements, or green or brown waters.
📖 Table of Contents
- Early Signs and the Three Key Signs of Labour
- True Labour vs False Labour
- When to Go to the Hospital
- Go In Immediately If You Notice Any of These
- FAQ section
Early Signs and the Three Key Signs of Labour
In the days before labour you may notice the baby “drop” lower, more pelvic pressure, backache, loose stools, or a sudden burst of energy. These are normal signs that your body is preparing, but they do not mean labour has started.
True labour announces itself with three key signs. Regular contractions are tightening pains in the abdomen that come at regular intervals and steadily increase in strength, length and frequency. The “show” is the passage of a blood-stained mucus plug from the cervix. And your waters breaking is the rupture of the membranes, felt as a gush or a slow trickle of fluid. You may notice one, two or all three.
True Labour vs False Labour
Telling the two apart saves a lot of anxiety. The simplest test is whether the pattern builds and continues, or eases with rest.
True labour | False labour |
|---|---|
Contractions get stronger, longer and closer together | Pain stays irregular and does not intensify |
Continues and progresses over time | Eases or stops with rest or a change of position |
Often with a ‘show’ or waters breaking | No ‘show’, no waters breaking |
Cervix is opening (dilating) | No change in the cervix |
Labour itself is often described in phases: in the latent phase the cervix is opening in the early stage (less than about 4 cm), and in the active phase it opens more fully towards delivery. Early labour can take time, so rest, stay hydrated and keep in touch with your maternity team.
When to Go to the Hospital
Head in when contractions are strong, regular and close together (follow the timing advice your doctor gives you), or when your waters have broken — note the time, colour and smell of the fluid. Come in earlier if you have been advised to, for example if you are Group B Strep positive. Keeping your hospital bag ready in advance, knowing your route and maternity contact number, and discussing your birth plan beforehand all make this moment calmer.
Go In Immediately If You Notice Any of These
Some situations need urgent care whatever your contractions are doing: vaginal bleeding; waters that are green or brown (which can mean the baby has passed meconium and may be under stress); reduced or absent baby movements; severe constant pain; or a strong urge to push. If your waters break, avoid excess movement and contact your team, as rarely the cord can slip down. For what follows the birth, see our guides on caring for stitches after delivery and postpartum care in Lucknow.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the first signs of labour?
Regular contractions that grow stronger and closer together, the ‘show’ (a blood-stained mucus plug), and your waters breaking. Early signs like the baby dropping and backache can come first.
How do I know if it's true or false labour?
True labour contractions get stronger, longer and closer together and continue over time, often with a show or waters breaking. False labour stays irregular and eases with rest.
When should I go to the hospital in labour?
When contractions are strong, regular and close together, if your waters break, or immediately for bleeding, reduced baby movements, green/brown waters or severe pain.
What does it mean if my waters are green or brown?
It can mean the baby has passed meconium and may be under stress, so you should go to hospital promptly to be checked.
What should I do when my waters break?
Note the time, colour and smell of the fluid, avoid excess movement, and contact your maternity team, as rarely the cord can slip down. Go in as advised.
