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The main signs of labour starting are strong, regular contractions and a "show". A show is when the plug of mucus from your cervix comes away.
Other signs that labour is beginning include your waters breaking (rupture of the membranes), backache and an urge to go to the toilet, which is caused by your baby’s
head pressing on your bowel.
When you are having regular, painful contractions that feel stronger and last more than 30 seconds, labour may have started. As labour gets going,
your contractions tend to become longer, stronger and more frequent.
During a contraction, the muscles in your womb contract and the pain increases. If you put your hand on your abdomen, you will feel it getting harder. When the
muscles relax, the pain fades and your hand will feel the hardness ease. The contractions are pushing your baby down and opening your cervix (entrance to the
womb), ready for your baby to go through.
Your midwife will probably advise you to stay at home until your contractions become frequent. When your contractions last 30-60 seconds and occur every five
minutes, call your midwife for guidance. If you’re planning to have your baby in a maternity ward, phone the hospital.
It may come away in one blob, or in several pieces. It is pink in colour because it’s bloodstained, and it's normal to lose a small amount of blood mixed with mucus. If
you’re losing more blood, it may be a sign that something is wrong, so telephone your hospital or midwife straight away.
A show indicates the cervix is starting to open and labour may follow quickly, or it may take a few days. Some women do not have a show.
You may feel a slow trickle, or a sudden gush of water that you cannot control. To prepare for this, you could keep a sanitary towel (but not a tampon) handy if you are
going out and put a protective sheet on your bed.
Amniotic fluid is clear and a pale straw colour. Sometimes it's difficult to tell amniotic fluid from urine. When your waters break, the water may be a little blood-stained to
begin with. Tell your midwife immediately if the waters are smelly or coloured, or if you are losing blood, as this could mean you and your baby require urgent attention.
If your waters break before labour starts, phone your midwife or the hospital for advice. Without amniotic fluid your baby is no longer protected and there is a risk of
infection.
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Signs and stages of labour - Pregnancy and baby guide http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/pregnancy-and-baby/pages/labour-sign...
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