🏥 Signs of Labour & When to Go to the Hospital
📝 Last reviewed: August 2026
The three classic signs: (1) Regular contractions — coming every 5 minutes, lasting 45-60s, getting stronger and closer together (time them for an hour); (2) Waters breaking — a gush or slow trickle of clear fluid; call your provider even if contractions haven't started (infection risk rises after 24h); (3) Bloody show — mucus plug with a little blood, a sign the cervix is opening (can be days before real labour).
Braxton Hicks (practice contractions): irregular, don't get stronger, stop when you change position or walk. Real contractions continue and intensify no matter what you do.
When to go NOW (emergency): contractions every 5 min for 1 hour (for first babies — later babies go faster); waters broken (especially if green/brown — meconium); bright-red bleeding; baby moving less than usual; severe headache with vision changes; or any feeling that "something is wrong".
Pack ahead (from week 36): documents, phone charger, comfortable clothes for you and baby, nappies, baby clothes, toiletries, snacks and water, and your provider's number on paper.
First labours: average 12-18 hours — early labour can be spent at home resting, eating light, staying hydrated and moving gently (walking helps). Go in when contractions are consistently 5 minutes apart.
Second and later babies: labour is usually faster — go earlier (every 7-8 minutes or when waters break). When in doubt, call your hospital — no one minds a false alarm.
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