When does labour begin?

Reviewed by Dr Dan Rutherford, GP

What changes will I feel in the last part of pregnancy?

In the last weeks and days before going into labour, a woman will feel many changes taking place in her body. First of all, the womb will sink downwards. The pressure under the ribs and breast bone will be relieved and instead, it will feel as though the baby is pressing on the pelvis.

Women will have felt mild contractions in the womb from the early stages of pregnancy. But as the birth gets closer, these contractions will become heavier and more frequent. Contractions can make it difficult to sleep properly.

What are the signs of the baby coming?

After the labour pains have begun, and immediately before the delivery begins, the woman might bleed a little. A mucus 'plug' that developed at the mouth of the cervix, possibly mixed with a little blood, may be expelled. It is natural and nothing to worry about.

The birth begins when labour pains are strong. Labour pain is felt as a contraction in the womb. Putting a hand on the stomach, it is possible to feel the womb getting increasingly hard and then softening again after about 30 seconds.

In the beginning, there might be 8 to 10 minutes between labour pains, but they will get more frequent. When the pains or contractions are only about four to five minutes apart, the mother should contact the maternity ward, if she is giving birth in a hospital, and get ready to go there.

When must the hospital be contacted?

In certain situations a woman should not wait until labour pains are frequent before contacting the maternity ward.

If she suspects her waters (the amniotic fluid) have broken.

If she is bleeding.

If she has a constant painful contraction or soreness in her womb.

If she no longer feels any signs of life in her baby.

If she gets the sensation that something is happening and there are more than three weeks until the anticipated birth.

If she has previously had a Caesarian section.

If the baby is lying with its head upwards in the womb (breech position).

If she is expecting twins or another multiple birth.

If she has given birth very quickly on a previous occasion.

If she has a stitch in the neck of her womb (cervical suture).

In any of the above cases, contact the maternity ward straight away. Tell them what the problem is and ask whether you should come in at once, wait a while, or call for an ambulance.

<<Back



The documents contained in this web site are presented for information purposes only. The material is in no way intended to replace professional medical care or attention by a qualified practitioner. The materials in this web site cannot and should not be used as a basis for diagnosis or choice of treatment. Conditions for use



© Copyright 1998 - 2004 NetDoctor.co.uk - All rights reserved