Signs of labour: 3 things to watch for

Pregnant person holding their belly sitting on bed

As your due date approaches, you may experience some symptoms that make you wonder whether it’s time to have your baby. If you are in labour, that’s exciting! It means that soon enough you’ll be holding your new baby in your arms. Sometimes though, what you’re experiencing can be a little confusing.

Here are three signs of labour to help you decipher what you may be feeling.

Bloody show:
- Brownish or blood tinged mucous may be passed as the cervix begins to soften
- Cervix may also partially efface (thin) and dilate (open)
Rupture of membranes:
- Amniotic fluid may leak, drip or gush from the vagina
- This fluid is colourless and odourless
Contractions:

Here are the differences between True Labour and Pre-Labour, sometimes referred to as false labour:

True Labour	Pre-Labour
Contractions have a regular pattern, become stronger, and occur more frequently as time passes Walking can increase the intensity of the contraction Contractions may be felt in the lower back, radiating to abdomen and legs	Contractions have an irregular pattern, do not become stronger, and do not occur more frequently as time passes Contractions usually stops with walking Contractions are mostly felt in the abdomen