The last few weeks of pregnancy can leave you watching every twinge and wondering, “Is this it?” Knowing the real signs of labour — and the moment they mean it’s time to go to the hospital — takes away a lot of that anxiety. This guide walks you through what labour usually feels like, what you can safely do at home, and the signs that mean you should go in straight away.
Quick Answer
Labour usually starts any time between 37 and 42 weeks. The main signs are regular contractions that get stronger, longer and closer together, a “show” (the mucus plug coming away), your waters breaking, and a low backache or period-like cramps.
A common guide is to head to the hospital when contractions are regular and strong — roughly 5 minutes apart, each lasting 45–60 seconds, for about an hour (the “5-1-1” pattern), or if your waters break, or if you are simply unsure. Go to the hospital urgently, at any time, for heavy bleeding, green/brown or smelly waters, reduced baby movements, severe constant pain, signs of pre-eclampsia (bad headache, vision changes, sudden swelling), fever, or any contractions or waters breaking before 37 weeks.
When Does Labour Usually Start?
A pregnancy is considered “full term” from 37 weeks, and most labours begin naturally between 37 and 42 weeks. So your due date is really the middle of a normal window, not a deadline — many first babies arrive a little after it.
Labour before 37 weeks is called preterm labour and always needs prompt medical attention, because the baby may need extra support. If your pregnancy reaches 41–42 weeks, your doctor will usually discuss monitoring or induction with you.
Signs Labour May Be Starting
Labour rarely begins with one dramatic moment. Usually a few of these signs build up over hours or even a day or two.
Contractions (the main sign). A contraction is a tightening of the uterus that you feel as a wave of pain or pressure. True labour contractions come at regular intervals, get longer, stronger and closer together over time, and do not ease off when you rest or change position.
Braxton-Hicks vs true labour. Earlier in pregnancy, and even in the final weeks, you may feel Braxton-Hicks — “practice” tightenings. These are irregular, usually painless or mild, don’t get closer together, and settle when you rest, drink water or move around. Real labour contractions keep coming and keep building. If they fade away with rest, it is probably not established labour yet.
A “show”. This is the mucus plug that sealed your cervix coming away — a blob of thick, jelly-like mucus, sometimes streaked with a little blood (a “bloody show”). It means the cervix is starting to change. Labour might follow within hours or still be a few days away.
Waters breaking. The bag of fluid around the baby can release as a sudden gush or a slow trickle that you can’t hold back. Note the time, the colour, and any smell — your doctor will ask. Clear or pale straw-coloured fluid is normal — but still call your doctor even without contractions, as the timing of when you go in matters.
Backache and cramps. A persistent low backache or period-like cramps is very common as labour begins.
Loose stools. Some women get an upset tummy or loose motions in the run-up to labour as the body prepares.
Early (Latent) Labour — What to Do at Home
The first phase, called early or latent labour, is when your cervix is slowly starting to open. Contractions are usually mild, short and irregular, and this phase can take a while — especially with a first baby. It is normal for it to last many hours.
For most women, this is a time you can stay comfortable at home (unless your doctor has told you otherwise):
- Rest between contractions and try to sleep if it’s night.
- Stay hydrated — sip water or fluids.
- Eat lightly to keep your energy up.
- Use a warm compress on your back or lower tummy, or a warm (not hot) shower.
- Move around, sway or change positions for comfort.
- Start timing how far apart your contractions are and how long each lasts.
Wait until contractions become regular, strong and closer together before heading in — or go earlier if any urgent sign appears (see below) or your doctor advised it.
When to Go to the Hospital / Call Your Doctor
This is the question everyone wants answered. As general obstetric guidance:
- A widely used guide is the “5-1-1” pattern — contractions about 5 minutes apart, each lasting around 1 minute (45–60 seconds), continuing for about 1 hour. That usually means labour is established and it’s time to go in.
- Go sooner if this is not your first baby (later labours can move much faster), if you live far from the hospital or traffic is a concern, or if your doctor told you to come in earlier.
- Go or call if your waters break, even without contractions — and note the time, colour and smell.
- Go or call if you have a “show” together with regular contractions.
- Go or call if you are simply unsure. It is always okay to get checked. Maternity teams would much rather you came in and were sent home than the other way around.
GO URGENTLY — Emergency Signs
Call your doctor or go to the hospital straight away, at any time of day or night, if you have any of these:
- Waters that are green, brown or smelly — this can mean meconium (baby’s first stool) in the fluid.
- You can feel or see the umbilical cord at the vagina — this is an emergency. Get to the nearest hospital immediately. While waiting for help, get onto your hands and knees with your chest down and bottom up, to take pressure off the cord.
- Heavy or fresh bleeding — more than the small blood streak of a show.
- Reduced or no baby movements, or a clear change in the usual pattern.
- Severe, constant tummy pain that does not come and go like contractions.
- A severe headache, changes in your vision (blurring, flashing lights), or sudden swelling of the face, hands or feet — possible signs of pre-eclampsia.
- A fever or feeling generally unwell.
- Any contractions, waters breaking or regular tightening before 37 weeks — this may be preterm labour.
When in doubt, contact your maternity unit. They expect these calls and would always rather hear from you.
The Indian Context: Plan Ahead
In many Indian cities and towns, distance and traffic can turn a short trip into a long one. A little planning removes the panic:
- Decide in advance which registered hospital or maternity facility you will go to, and keep its number saved.
- Sort out transport ahead of time — know who will drive you and have a backup, including for the middle of the night.
- Keep your hospital bag and documents (ID, reports, scans) ready by the door from about 36–37 weeks.
- If you live far away or it is not your first baby, leave earlier rather than later — don’t wait out a long, slow journey while in strong labour.
- Don’t delay going in because you are unsure or it’s inconvenient. Getting checked is always reasonable.
When to See or Call Your Doctor
Every pregnancy is different, and your obstetrician knows yours best. Follow whatever instructions your own doctor has given you about when to come in — those override any general rule, including the 5-1-1 guide. If you have a high-risk pregnancy, a previous caesarean, twins, or any complication, your doctor may want you to come in much earlier. Keep your doctor’s and hospital’s contact numbers easy to reach.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I know if it’s real labour or Braxton-Hicks?
A: Braxton-Hicks contractions are irregular, often mild, don’t get closer together, and ease off when you rest, move or drink water. Real labour contractions come at regular intervals and keep getting stronger, longer and closer together — and they don’t settle with rest.
Q: My waters broke but I have no contractions. Should I go to the hospital?
A: Yes — call your doctor or go in even without contractions. Note the time, the colour of the fluid, and any smell. Go urgently if the fluid is green, brown or smelly.
Q: How long does early labour last?
A: Early (latent) labour can take many hours, and is often longer with a first baby. As long as there are no urgent signs, you can usually rest, hydrate and stay comfortable at home until contractions become regular and strong.
Q: Can I eat or drink during early labour?
A: In uncomplicated early labour at home, light snacks and sips of fluid are usually fine to keep your energy up. Once you are admitted, follow your hospital’s and doctor’s advice, as it can differ.
Q: What if I’m not sure whether to go in?
A: Go, or at least call your maternity unit. Being unsure is itself a good reason to get checked. Staff would always rather reassure you than have you wait at home with a problem.
Pregnancy’s final weeks bring a lot of questions — and you don’t have to sit with them alone. Connect with our doctors and other expecting parents on the Babynama community for guidance and support. join here
This article is for general information and is not a substitute for personalised medical advice. Always follow your obstetrician’s instructions on when to come in.