07/09/2026
If you’re pregnant, this is one to save for later 👀
One of the biggest questions towards the end of pregnancy is… how do I actually know when labour is starting?! And annoyingly, there isn’t always one obvious answer.
Some of these things can happen in the lead up to labour without meaning baby is coming right now.. but they can be signs that your body is getting ready!
😖 Contractions
Regular and increasingly intense contractions are a sign that labour is starting. You might feel them in your lower abdomen, back, or both! This is the perfect time to pop your TENS on
💦 Water breaking
For some people it’s the dramatic movie style gush. For others it’s more of a slow trickle. Though your waters don’t always break before contractions start!
🤢 Diarrhoea or nausea
A sudden digestive “clear out” can happen as your body prepares for labour.
🩸 Mucous plug
The mucous plug that has been sealing your cervix will come loose and you might notice some blood or mucous.
😬 Pelvic pressure
As your baby moves down into the birth canal, you might feel increased pressure or a feeling of heaviness in your pelvic area.
None of these on their own necessarily mean you are definitely in labour.. You might have a few, all of them, or barely notice anything before contractions properly begin..
And as always, if you’re unsure about symptoms please contact your maternity care provider.
What was your first “ohhhh I think this might actually be happening” sign?
