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Labour: Signs It's Starting & The Stages of Labour Explained
Labour follows a recognisable pattern.
Quick Facts
Labour is the process your body goes through to birth your baby — and knowing the signs it's starting and what happens at each stage can help you feel calmer and more prepared. Every labour is different, but it follows a recognisable pattern.
Labour often begins with the latent phase, when the cervix softens and starts to open — this can take hours or even days. Key signs include contractions (your womb tightening and relaxing, sometimes like strong period pains), a "show" (a plug of mucus as the cervix opens), and your waters breaking. Labour then progresses through three stages: the first (cervix opening to ~10 cm), the second (pushing and birth), and the third (delivering the placenta).
This guide explains the signs, the stages, pain-relief options in brief, and exactly when to contact your midwife or maternity unit. For birth methods and options, see Delivery; to pack ahead, see your hospital bag checklist.
Be ready
Use ParentVibes to note your birth preferences, hospital-bag checklist, and your maternity unit's contact details.
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Things worth knowing
Labour follows a pattern
Every labour is different, but it moves through recognisable signs and three stages.
Time your contractions
Note how long each lasts and how far apart — they get stronger, longer and more regular.
Watch your waters
A gush or trickle of fluid; note the time, colour and amount, and call urgently if green/brown or smelly.
A "show" can be early
A mucus plug, sometimes blood-tinged, passes as the cervix opens.
The latent phase can be long
Early softening and opening of the cervix can take hours or days — rest and conserve energy at home if advised.
Know when to call
Bleeding, reduced movements, severe pain, or signs before 37 weeks mean contact your maternity unit straight away.
Everything You Need to Know (Signs & Stages)
Signs labour may be starting, and the three stages it then follows:
| Sign / stage | What it means |
|---|---|
| Contractions | Womb tightens and relaxes; become stronger, longer, more regular |
| A "show" | Mucus plug (sometimes blood-tinged) as the cervix opens |
| Waters breaking | The amniotic sac releases fluid — can be a gush or trickle |
| Backache / pelvic pressure | Baby moving down; increased discharge |
| First stage (established labour) | Cervix dilates to ~10 cm; contractions stronger and regular |
| Second stage | From full dilation (10 cm) to birth — includes active pushing |
| Third stage | After birth, the womb contracts and the placenta is delivered |
The latent phase can be long
Softening and early opening of the cervix can take hours or days, especially for a first baby. Established (first-stage) labour is when the cervix is dilating from ~4 cm with strong, regular contractions.
Symptoms / Signs (Recognising Labour)
How to recognise that labour has begun:
Signs to look for
- Regular, strengthening contractions (time them: how long each lasts, how far apart)
- A show — mucus, sometimes blood-tinged
- Waters breaking — note time, colour and amount
- Lower back/pelvic pain and pressure
- Sometimes nausea, loose stools, or a "nesting" urge
Track while you read
Tick the symptoms that apply to you. This is a self-check, not a diagnosis — saved on this device only.
Call your maternity unit straight away if
Your waters break (especially if the fluid is green/brown or smelly), you have bleeding, reduced baby movements, severe constant pain, or you think you're in labour before 37 weeks.
Causes / What Triggers & Drives Labour
Labour is set in motion and driven forward by a sequence of changes:
- Hormonal changes
- Near term, hormones prompt the cervix to soften and the womb to contract.
- Contractions
- Progressively open (dilate) the cervix.
- The baby descends
- The baby moves down into the pelvis.
- Full dilation
- Allows the baby to be born (second stage).
- Continued contractions
- Deliver the placenta (third stage).
Sometimes labour is induced (started medically) for health reasons — your team will explain if relevant.
Diagnosis / Assessing Labour Progress
Your midwife assesses where you are in labour:
What your midwife may check
- Contraction pattern — frequency, length, strength
- Vaginal examination (with consent) — to check cervical dilation
- Baby's heartbeat monitoring
- Your wellbeing — blood pressure, temperature, hydration
- Waters — whether broken, and the fluid's colour
Your birth preferences and notes can be stored in ParentVibes to share with your team.
Treatment / Pain Relief & Support in Labour (Overview)
Pain relief and support options (discuss with your team; availability varies):
- Breathing, movement, positions
- Staying active and upright can help.
- Water/warm bath, massage, TENS
- Non-medical comfort measures.
- Gas and air (entonox)
- Common inhaled pain relief.
- Injections / stronger pain relief
- Where offered.
- Epidural
- Regional anaesthesia for stronger relief.
Make a flexible birth plan
Note your preferences in a birth plan via ParentVibes — flexible, since labour can change. Birth methods (assisted, caesarean) are covered in our Delivery guide.
Pain relief is personal
Pain-relief choices depend on your labour and what's available; discuss options in advance and with your midwife on the day.
Home Care / Coping in Early Labour
In the latent/early phase (if advised to stay home a while):
Coping in early labour
- Rest and conserve energy between contractions; sleep if you can
- Stay hydrated and eat lightly as you feel able
- Move and change positions; try a warm bath, heat, or massage
- Time contractions and note your waters/show
- Stay in touch with your maternity unit and know when to go in
Early-labour comfort kit
- Hydration & light snacks
- Heat pack / warm bath option
- Comfortable positions/birthing ball
- Contraction timer
- Bag & transport ready
Follow your maternity unit's advice on when to come in — and go sooner if any warning sign appears.
When to See a Doctor / Go to Hospital
Contact your maternity unit / go in if:
- Contractions are regular and strong (follow your unit's "when to come in" guidance)
- Your waters break (note colour — call urgently if green/brown/smelly)
- You have vaginal bleeding
- Reduced baby movements
- Severe or constant pain, or you feel something is wrong
- You think you're in labour before 37 weeks
Call urgently
For heavy bleeding, green/brown waters, reduced movements, severe pain, or preterm labour signs. Your maternity unit is your first contact in labour; use Ask a Doctor on ParentVibes only for non-urgent questions beforehand.
Continue learning
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the first signs of labour?
Regular strengthening contractions, a "show" (mucus plug), and your waters breaking; backache and pelvic pressure are also common.
What are the stages of labour?
First (cervix dilates to ~10 cm), second (pushing and birth), and third (delivering the placenta).
How long does labour last?
It varies widely; the latent phase can take hours or days, and first labours are often longer. Your midwife guides you.
When should I go to hospital?
Follow your unit's guidance (often when contractions are strong and regular), and go sooner for any warning sign.
What if my waters break before contractions?
Contact your maternity unit; note the time and fluid colour — call urgently if it's green/brown or smelly.
What pain relief is available?
From breathing, movement and water to gas and air, injections and epidural — discuss options with your team.
What is induction?
Starting labour medically for health reasons; your team will explain if it's recommended.
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Medical review
- Last reviewed
- June 2026
- Medical reviewer
- Dr. Vinika G.
- Next review due
- June 2027
- Status
- Medically reviewed by Dr. Vinika G.
References
This article is for general information and education only and is not a substitute for professional maternity care. Every labour is different. Follow your midwife/maternity unit's advice, and treat your birth plan as a flexible guide. In labour, your maternity unit is your first point of contact. Seek urgent care for the warning signs above. In a medical emergency, contact your maternity unit or local emergency services immediately. Content reviewed against guidance from the NHS.
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Medical disclaimer
This article is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice. If you have severe pain, heavy bleeding, missed periods, or unusual symptoms, please consult a qualified healthcare provider.