The Start of Labour

No one can predict when and how your labour will begin. Most women will recognize labour because of certain signs such as contractions, passing the mucus plug or their waters breaking.

How do labour pains start?

Labour beings with uterine contractions. During contractions, your belly grows tight and hard, and you have pains that last at least 20 seconds. Many women feel pains in the lower abdomen.

How do contractions feel?

They can start off feeling like period pains or cramps in your lower abdomen. At first your contractions may be short and up to 30 minutes apart.

What are braxton hicks contractions?

These are contractions that help your uterus prepare for labour but do not open the cervix. They are sometimes called false labour; this is because they can be strong and may feel uncomfortable, but don’t lead to labour and birth.

What is the difference between braxton hicks and real contractions?

Braxton hicks contractions

• • Irregular and short.
  • Usually, it’s uncomfortable.
  • Walking does not make them stronger.
  • Lying down may make them go away.
  • Do not get stronger.
  • Do not get closer together.

Real contractions

• • Start as irregular but become regular as they continue.
  • Usually more painful as they progress.
  • Walking makes them stronger.
  • Lying down does not make them go away.
  • Gets stronger as they progress.
  • Get closer together as they progress.

What is a mucus plug?

Mucus plug is a thick piece of mucus that blocks the opening of your cervix during pregnancy. It forms a seal to prevent bacteria and infection from getting into your uterus and reaching the fetus.

Why do you lose your mucus plug?

As your body prepares for labour, your cervix begins to soften, thin and open. This causes the mucus plug to dislodge from your cervix then pushes out into your vagina. You may see it in your underwear.

What is the difference between a mucus plug and vaginal discharge?

Vaginal discharge is usually thin and light yellow or white. Discharge from the mucus plug is thicker, more jelly-like and there’s more of it. It can also be tinged with red, brown, or pink blood.

What does it mean when you lose your mucus plug?

Losing your mucus plug means your cervix has started to dilate and efface. It means labour is around the corner, but no one will predict the exact time labour will begin.

What happens if you lose your mucus plug early in pregnancy?

Losing a mucus plug before 37 weeks of pregnancy could be the signs of early labour or other pregnancy complications, it is best to contact your health care provider.

Breaking of waters (Rupture of the membranes)

What happens during the breaking of waters?

This occurs when the amniotic sac holding your baby breaks. This releases the amniotic fluid that has protected your baby during pregnancy, which leaks out of your vagina. This is the sign that labour is coming.

How do you know if your water breaks?

There may be a popping feeling followed by a gush or trickle of fluid from your vagina.

What causes rupture of the membranes?

Rupture of the membranes near the end of pregnancy may be caused by a natural weakening of the membranes or from the force of contractions.

What happens if your water breaks early in pregnancy?

If your water breaks too soon, the foetus is at risk for premature birth or infection.

What to do?

When your water breaks, you should go to the hospital or birthing center even if you have no contractions.